Park, Shipp, Chen et al (2011) evaluated whether age at time of cochlear implantation impacted outcomes. They based their analysis on 161 adult patients seen between the years 2000 and 2009. Each patient was assigned to an age group—(1) less than 50 years of age, (2) between 50 and 65 years, or (3) greater than 65 years. Each patient received a unilateral cochlear implant from one of three CI manufacturers (Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Corp, or Med El).
The Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI) were used to measure speech recognition (in quiet only) and quality of life pre-implant and one year post-implant.
The authors determined that unilateral cochlear implantation “markedly” improves HINT and HHI scores similarly across all adult age groups. Therefore, Park, Shipp, Chen et al, state that age should not be considered a contraindication to cochlear implantation and they report prior hearing aid amplification does not influence the degree of improvement with regard to HINT and HHI measures.
For More Information, References and Recommendations
Amoodi HA, Mick PT, Shipp DB, Friesen LM, Nedzelski JM, Chen JM, Lin VYW. (2011) Results with Cochlear Implantation in Adults With Speech recognition Scores Exceeding Current Criteria. Otology & Neurotology 33:6–12.
Gifford RH, Dorman MF, Shallop JK, Sydlowski SA. (2010)Evidence for the Expansion of Adult Cochlear Implant Candidacy. Ear & Hearing 31(2):186–194.
Park E, Shipp DB, Chen JM, Nedselski JM, Lin VYW. (2011) Post-lingually Deaf Adults of All Ages Derive Equal Benefits from Unilateral Multichannel Cochlear Implant. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology 22(10):637–643.
Yoshikawa N, Hirsch B, Telischi FF. (2010) Cochlear Implant Fixation and Dura Exposure. Otology & Neurotology 31(8):1211–1214.