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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Cochlear implantation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
James M Gaylor1, Gowri Raman, Mei Chung
1Tufts Evidence-Based Practice Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. jmgaylor@alum.bu.edu
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck Surgery
|February 23, 2013
Summary
Cochlear implants significantly improve hearing and quality of life (QOL) in adults with sensorineural hearing loss. Bilateral implants offer enhanced communication and sound localization compared to unilateral ones.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a major global disability.
- Cochlear implants (CIs) offer an alternative to hearing aids for SNHL.
- This meta-analysis is the first to specifically evaluate quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes in adult CI recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess communication and health-related QOL outcomes following unilateral or bilateral cochlear implantation in adults with SNHL.
- To synthesize evidence from recent literature on CI efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus (2004-2012).
- Inclusion of studies on adult multichannel CI recipients using speech tests or QOL measures.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment by five researchers.
Main Results:
- 42 studies met inclusion criteria.
- Unilateral CIs significantly improved speech scores and QOL.
- Bilateral CIs showed superior communication outcomes and sound localization versus unilateral CIs, though QOL results varied.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral CIs enhance hearing and significantly improve QOL.
- Bilateral CIs provide additional benefits in sound localization.
- Further long-term, high-quality studies are needed to strengthen evidence.
