Cochlear implantation in the elderly: surgical and hearing outcomes

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Hearing impairment affects 50-60% of individuals over 70, with severe to profound loss impacting 0.6-1.1%.
• Prevalence of age-related hearing loss is projected to more than double in 40 years.
• Hearing loss in older adults is linked to cognitive load, social isolation, and functional decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and complications of cochlear implant (CI) treatment in elderly patients.
• To assess the impact of CI on hearing thresholds and speech perception in individuals aged 65 and above.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 17 patients (aged 65-79) who received unilateral cochlear implants.
• Statistical analysis of pre- and post-implant pure-tone average (PTA) thresholds and speech recognition scores.
• Comparison of PTA improvement between age groups (65-70 and over 70).

Main Results:

• Mean PTA improved from 111.25 dB to 43.81 dB post-implantation.
• Mean speech reception threshold (SRT) improved from 90 dB to 65 dB.
• No significant difference in PTA improvement was observed between the two age groups, and no severe complications occurred.

Conclusions:

• Cochlear implantation is a safe and effective procedure for improving hearing and speech perception in the elderly.
• Factors such as family support, professional guidance, duration of deafness, and pre-implant scores influence rehabilitation outcomes.
• Cochlear implants should be considered for older individuals in good health experiencing severe to profound hearing loss.