Cochlear implantation in the elderly: outcomes, long-term evolution, and predictive factors.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Our goal in this study is to find out the outcomes of cochlear implantation in elderly (> 60 years) and check if this improvement is similar to that of their younger counterparts in short- and long-term evolution. In addition, we have attempted to ascertain the predictive factors that might affect the verbal comprehension results of older patients.

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS:

Ninety-four patients older than 40 years, divided into two groups. 40-60 years n = 55 and > 60 years n = 39. A pure-tone audiometry, a disyllabic word test, and the test of phonetically balanced sentences of Navarra were made in silence to each patient. These measurements were made pre-implantation and 1, 5, and 10 year post-implantation. Peri- and postoperative complications were registered. The hypothetic predictive factors of post-implanted performance were evaluated in the elderly.

RESULTS:

Our study shows no significant difference between young and old adult´s outcomes in short- and long-term evolutions, nor in the complication rate. Furthermore, we proved the significant influence of the side of implantation, use of hearing aids, and duration of hearing loss in the short- and long-term results in the elderly.

CONCLUSION:

This study shows that cochlear implantation in the elderly is as safe, useful, and worthwhile as in young adults. Age has a low influence in cochlear implant outcomes; however, we have found the significant influence of the side of implantation, the use of hearing aids, and the duration of hearing loss in the short- and long-term results.

• Authors: Leire Garcia-Iza, Zuriñe Martinez, Ane Ugarte, Mercedes Fernandez, Xabier Altuna
• Journal: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol) Vol. 275 Issue 4 Pg. 913-922 (Apr 2018) ISSN: 1434-4726 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 29480360 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Age Factors
• Aged
• Audiometry, Pure-Tone
• Auditory Threshold
• Cochlear Implantation
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Hearing Aids
• Hearing Loss, Sensorineural (surgery)
• Humans
• Linear Models
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Speech Perception
• Time Factors