Predicting Speech Outcomes After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults Using the Self-administered Gerocognitive...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Cochlear implantation is a common treatment for sensorineural hearing loss in older adults.
• Assessing cognitive function pre-implantation may help predict post-operative outcomes.
• The Self-administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) is a cognitive screening tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the SAGE cognitive test correlates with speech recognition outcomes one year after cochlear implantation in adults over 65.
• To investigate the predictive value of pre-operative cognitive status on post-cochlear implant speech perception.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study including 40 adult patients (>65 years) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
• Patients underwent unilateral cochlear implantation and completed SAGE pre-operatively.
• Speech testing (CNC, AzBio in quiet, AzBio in noise) was performed pre- and 1-year post-implantation.

Main Results:

• A significant linear correlation was found between pre-operative SAGE scores and changes in speech testing outcomes at 1 year.
• Both age and SAGE scores were statistically significant predictors of 1-year post-operative speech recognition.
• Patients with normal SAGE scores (≥17) showed significantly better speech recognition than those with low scores (<17).

Conclusions:

• The SAGE cognitive test can predict speech recognition performance 1 year after cochlear implantation in older adults.
• Pre-operative cognitive assessment using SAGE may aid in managing expectations for cochlear implant recipients.