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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Impedance Monitoring for Cochlear Implant Surgery
Published on: August 4, 2023
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Factors Influencing Time to Cochlear Implantation
James R Dornhoffer1, Meredith A Holcomb, Ted A Meyer
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
Summary
Nonwhite race and older age are linked to longer wait times for cochlear implantation. This highlights disparities in hearing healthcare access and suggests a need for targeted outreach programs to ensure timely treatment for severe hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is a critical treatment for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
- Understanding factors influencing treatment timeliness is essential for equitable access to hearing restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic and audiologic factors associated with delays in cochlear implantation.
- To investigate potential disparities in access to cochlear implant treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of an adult cochlear implant database (n=492) from 2012-2017.
- Multivariate analysis to determine predictors of time to cochlear implantation.
- Collection of demographic data and preimplantation audiologic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Nonwhite race (HR 0.157, p=0.038) and increased age (HR 0.970, p=0.038) were significantly associated with longer time to cochlear implantation.
- Nonwhite patients exhibited poorer pure-tone averages and speech recognition scores, and lower hearing aid use (p<0.001).
- Sex, insurance type, and preoperative hearing aid use did not significantly predict time to implantation.
Conclusions:
- Nonwhite patients face delays in cochlear implantation due to poorer hearing, speech recognition, and lower hearing aid use.
- Healthcare disparities may delay treatment for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
- Targeted outreach programs are recommended to ensure timely cochlear implantation and improve hearing healthcare access.
