Cost utility of the multichannel cochlear implants in 258 profoundly deaf individuals

Cost utility analysis is a method of cost-effectiveness analysis which provides results in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Cost utility for the multichannel cochlear implant was calculated using Ontario Health Utilities Index data from 229 Nucleus 22-channel implant users and 32 cochlear implant candidates awaiting surgery. The health utility of the implanted group was greater than that of the candidate group by 0.204 (P<.0001). Use of this figure in a cost utility calculation indicates that cochlear implantation costs approximately $15,928 per QALY provided. Sensitivity analysis, a technique which systematically varies the assumptions underlying the calculations, suggests a range for the true value of between $12,000 and $30,000. This compares very favorably with other medical interventions. It is concluded that profound hearing loss has a significant effect on quality of life, and measurement of the changes that result from cochlear implant use indicates that this technology provides significant improvements and is quite cost-effective.