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Published on: June 16, 2022
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Investigating Socioeconomic Barriers to Cochlear Implantation.
Rachel C Greiner1, Jay T Rubinstein, Gavriel D Kohlberg
1University of Washington School of Medicine.
Summary
Socioeconomic factors like primary language and insurance type create disparities in cochlear implant evaluation (CIE) referrals and cochlear implantation (CI) rates. Non-English speakers and uninsured individuals face significant barriers to receiving CI care.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Socioeconomic factors can influence access to advanced medical interventions.
- Cochlear implantation (CI) is a complex treatment for severe to profound hearing loss.
- Understanding disparities in CI referral and implantation is crucial for equitable care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate socioeconomic disparities in cochlear implant evaluation (CIE) referrals.
- To examine socioeconomic disparities in cochlear implantation (CI) rates.
- To identify factors influencing access to CI care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 271 adult patients undergoing audiometry between 2015-2019.
- Analysis of patient demographics, insurance status, and referral/implantation data.
- Multivariate regression to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Non-English speaking patients had significantly lower CIE referral rates (p < 0.01).
- Patients with private insurance or Medicare with private supplement had higher CI implantation rates (p = 0.03).
- Uninsured patients had very low rates of CIE referral and no CI implantation.
Conclusions:
- Primary language spoken is a barrier to CIE referral.
- Insurance type impacts CI implantation rates post-evaluation.
- Further research is needed to develop strategies for equitable CI access.
