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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
469
Cochlear Implants in Veterans: 10-Year Experience at a Single Referral Center
Colleen A O'Brien1, Susan B Waltzman1, Joshua Chodosh2,3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY.
American Journal of Audiology
|June 30, 2022
Summary
Veterans with severe hearing loss often wait years for cochlear implants. This study highlights delayed treatment in Veterans, suggesting earlier intervention could improve outcomes for hearing loss management.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Severe hearing loss significantly impacts Veterans.
- The Veterans Affairs (VA) offers hearing aids and cochlear implants.
- VA's integrated system allows for unique research on hearing loss management.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine patterns and outcomes of cochlear implantation in Veterans.
- Analyze management of severe hearing loss within the VA system.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of an urban VA center's database.
- Included Veterans who underwent cochlear implantation (2010-2019).
- Collected preoperative data and audiological outcomes.
Main Results:
- 61 Veterans (70 ears) received cochlear implants; median age 70.2 years.
- Over 90% used hearing aids pre-implantation; severe hearing loss onset >4 years prior to evaluation.
- Postoperative scores correlated negatively with hearing loss duration.
Conclusions:
- Veterans in this cohort were older with higher hearing aid use than civilian counterparts.
- Data suggest many Veterans were candidates for cochlear implants years before evaluation.
- Reasons for delayed treatment require further investigation.
