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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Impedance Monitoring for Cochlear Implant Surgery
Published on: August 4, 2023
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Why Do Cochlear Implant Candidates Defer Surgery? A Retrospective Case-Control Study.
Masanari G Kato1,2, Vivian F Kaul1,3, Diana Hallak1
1Division of Otology, Neurotology and Cranial Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|December 30, 2023
Summary
Older age, African American race, and being unmarried predict cochlear implant (CI) deferral. These individuals may need more support and education before deciding on CI surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Cochlear implant (CI) candidacy evaluation aims to identify suitable patients for hearing restoration.
- Some eligible patients defer CI surgery despite thorough evaluation and counseling.
- Identifying factors influencing CI deferral is crucial for targeted patient support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient-related and socioeconomic factors that predict the deferral of cochlear implant surgery.
- To understand the characteristics of individuals who choose not to proceed with CI implantation after candidacy evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of adult CI candidates (2007-2021) at a tertiary academic center.
- Data included demographics, socioeconomic status, and distance from the CI center.
- Multivariable logistic regression analyzed predictors of CI implantation versus deferral.
Main Results:
- 200 patients were analyzed; 77 deferred CI surgery (CI-deferred) and 123 pursued it (CI-pursued).
- CI-deferred patients were more likely to be non-Caucasian (24.7% vs. 9.8%) and unmarried (55.8% vs. 38.2%).
- Independent predictors of CI deferral included older age, African American race, and unmarried status.
Conclusions:
- Older age, African American race, and unmarried status are significant predictors for deferring cochlear implant surgery.
- These findings suggest a need for enhanced outreach, including counseling and social support, for at-risk CI candidates.
- Targeted interventions may improve CI uptake among diverse patient populations.
