The authors aimed to assess the improvement in quality of life (QoL) of cochlear implant patients over 60 and its relation to audiometric benefits. An observational retrospective study was conducted on 26 individuals older than 60. The outcome was compared to the respective outcome in 10 implanted patients aged between 40 and 60. A full postoperative audiological evaluation was completed and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory test was used to assess QoL. The patients in both groups had similar preoperative speech recognition levels. Preoperative audiometric thresholds were significantly worse in patients from 40 to 60 years of age, although they scored better in speech recognition after implantation. Patients experienced significant improvement in their QoL in all areas, especially in general health, while they experienced a smaller improvement in social interaction. Age, duration of deafness, and years wearing the processor were statistically related to QoL, regardless of audiometric benefit. The authors concluded that cochlear implantation improves QoL of patients over 60 by the mere fact of having been implanted, regardless of poorer audiological benefits. Older patients, with long-term deafness experience a greater improvement in QoL after implantation. An interesting study with interesting results. However, a better study design with a larger number of patients would help in identifying the small differences between the two groups.
Cochlear implantation in elderly candidates and effect on quality of life
Reviewed by Thomas Nikolopoulos
Cochlear implants in adults over 60: A study of communicative benefits and the impact on quality of life.
CONTRIBUTOR
Thomas Nikolopoulos
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Athens, Greece.
View Full Profile
