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Updated: May 16, 2025
Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
Socioeconomic disparities in receipt of cochlear implantation surgery in American children in 2016
Julia H Garland1, Dean G Kennedy2, Taylor L Jamil3
1Boston University College of Arts and Sciences, Boston, MA, USA.
Insights
Social determinants of health significantly impact cochlear implant (CI) rates in children. White and Asian children, and those in the West/Northeast, received CIs more often, highlighting healthcare disparities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Health services research
- Social determinants of health
Background:
- Cochlear implantation (CI) is a critical intervention for pediatric sensorineural hearing loss.
- Understanding disparities in CI access is essential for equitable healthcare.
- Social determinants of health (SDOH) may influence CI utilization rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of SDOH on the rate of cochlear implantation in pediatric patients.
- To identify demographic and regional factors associated with CI receipt.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the 2016 Kids Inpatient Database.
- Utilized two-sample independent t-tests, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses.
- Examined socioeconomic factors and geographic region as predictors of CI surgery.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving CI surgery were younger and had longer inpatient stays.
- Asian/Pacific Islander children had higher rates of CI surgery compared to other groups.
- Children in the South and Midwest regions were less likely to receive CI surgery, while those in the West and Northeast were more likely.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in pediatric CI rates, with Black and Hispanic children receiving implants less frequently than White and Asian children.
- Geographic disparities in CI access were observed, with lower rates in the South and Midwest.
- Addressing identified disparities is crucial for achieving equitable healthcare outcomes for pediatric sensorineural hearing loss.
Objective:
This study strives to determine how social determinants of health impact the rate at which pediatric patients receive cochlear implantations.
Methods:
The 2016 Kids Inpatient Database was used to determine how different socioeconomic factors statistically impacted the rates of patients receiving cochlear implants. A two-sample independent t-test, univariate, and multivariate regression were used.
Results:
Patients with CI surgery were younger and had longer inpatient stays (p < 0.001 & p = 0.017, respectively). Asian/Island Pacific patients were proportionately more likely to receive CI surgery (p = 0.003). Patients visiting hospitals in the South and Midwest regions of America were less likely to receive CI surgery (p < 0.001 & p = 0.004, respectively). Patients in the West and Northeast were more likely to receive implantation (p = 0.019).
Conclusion:
Black and Hispanic children were the least likely to receive implantation, while white and Asian children were more likely to receive them. Patients in the South and Midwest were noted to be less likely to receive implantation. To enhance the quality and efficiency of care, it is necessary to identify and address these disparities to achieve more equitable healthcare for pediatric sensorineural hearing loss patients.
