Speech perception and auditory performance following cochlear implantation in elderly Koreans.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Cochlear implantation (CI) benefits in the elderly for sound and speech perception are debated.
• Spoken language intensity and pitch may influence CI outcomes in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surgical/hospitalization times, complications, and hearing outcomes of CI in elderly Koreans.
• To compare outcomes between older (≥65 years) and younger adult CI recipients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 55 postlingually deafened adults undergoing unilateral CI.
• Patients divided into older (≥65 years) and younger (18-64 years) groups.
• Auditory outcomes assessed via SRT, SDT, GASP-K, and CAP scores.

Main Results:

• Surgical/hospitalization times and complication rates were comparable between age groups.
• Older adults showed significantly lower speech discrimination test (SDT) and GASP-K scores at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years.
• No significant differences were found in speech reception threshold (SRT) or Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) scores.

Conclusions:

• Elderly patients can benefit from cochlear implantation without increased surgical risks.
• Consideration of speech perception challenges is crucial for older adults receiving CI.