Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Programmatic challenges in obtaining and confirming the pneumococcal vaccination status of cochlear implant
Ryan M Carpenter1, Charles J Limb, Howard W Francis
1The Listening Center at Johns Hopkins, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Background:
Bacterial meningitis represents a substantial concern for individuals with cochlear implants (CIs).
Methods:
Chart review and direct patient and family correspondence to ascertain vaccination status.
Intervention:
Information dissemination via brochure and electronic media, ongoing reminders of the importance of vaccination when confirmation of vaccination was not received.
Results:
Marked improvement in vaccination rates ranging from 49% to 99% across different patient populations. Importantly, many patients received their vaccinations only after follow-up reminders.
Conclusion:
Ensuring optimal vaccination of all CI recipients against high-risk pathogens is a significantly challenging task. Maximizing vaccination rates in CI users will require an ongoing, active effort of information dissemination, documentation of compliance, and well-designed behavioral systems to streamline the pragmatic challenges in vaccination delivery.
