Cochlear Implantation in the Elderly: Results and Quality-of-Life Assessment

TLDR

To assess the efficacy, quality of life, and complication rate of cochlear implantation in patients over 60 years of age. We performed a retrospective chart review of 31 cochlear implant patients more than 60 years old at the time of surgery (mean, 70 years; range, 62 to 86 years). All 31 patients improved audiological outcomes, 93 % remained regular users after a median 12‑month follow‑up, major complications occurred in 6 %, and overall results were excellent with a complication rate comparable to younger patients and an improved quality of life.

Abstract

To assess the efficacy, quality of life, and complication rate of cochlear implantation in patients over 60 years of age, we performed a retrospective chart review of 31 cochlear implant patients more than 60 years old at the time of surgery (mean, 70 years; range, 62 to 86 years). All patients had improvement in their audiological test results after operation. Twenty-eight patients (93%) are regular implant users at a median follow-up of 12 months. Major complications occurred in 2 patients (6%). We conclude that cochlear implantation in the elderly population has excellent results, with a complication rate similar to that in patients less than 60 years old, and yields an improved quality of life.