The effects of cochlear implantation on quality of life in the elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of unilateral cochlear implant (CI) in patients over 60 on speech perception and quality of life, comparing the results obtained with a control group of younger CI recipients. Twenty CI users (mean age 72 years), postlingually deafened, were included in this study. Audiological performance was evaluated using bisyllabic words and sentences recognition tests in a quiet and a noise environment. Moreover, we administered two questionnaires to evaluate the health status (SF-36), CI-related effects on daily activities and personal satisfaction (Questionnaire for self-evaluation of CI benefit with SADL scale modification). Performance measures of the geriatric population showed a significant benefit on speech recognition tests compared to pre-implantation condition, even if younger CI users scored significantly better in both bisyllabic words and sentences recognition test. All study patients reported being able to have a normal conversation with an acquaintance. No significant difference was found between the study and control group in physical and mental health status, conversation with an outsider, use of TV and phone. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was noticed, instead, between elderly and younger adult patients about the overall satisfaction derived from CI. Our findings confirm the indisputable utility of CI and provide evidence that elderly patients derive a substantial benefit from it on quality of life, as demonstrated by health status, success in the common activities of daily living and perceived satisfaction after this procedure.

Quality of Life and Cost-Effectiveness of Cochlear Implants: A Narrative Review

“…Overall, implanted older adults showed significant improvement in QoL after implantation [Chung et al, 2012;Di Nardo et al, 2014;Olze et al, 2012;Orabi et al, 2006;Ramos et al, 2013;Vermeire et al, 2005]. Improvements in QoL were independent of audiological performance.…”

“…Improvements in QoL were independent of audiological performance. While all studies demonstrated significant auditory benefit of CI in all age groups, some studies [Di Nardo et al, 2014;Ramos et al, 2013;Vermeire et al, 2005] showed poorer auditory performance in the elderly group, and others showed a similar benefit of CI regardless of age [Olze et al, 2012;Orabi et al, 2006]. Regardless, nearly all studies showed significant improvement in QoL in this age group, most often reported in multiple dimensions.…”

“…Four reports included ad hoc QoL instruments [Di Nardo et al, 2014;Olze et al, 2012;Orabi et al, 2006;Vermeire et al, 2005]. Of these, 3 studies used quantitative QoL questionnaires, and 1 [Olze et al, 2012] used a qualitative instrument.…”

Qualidade de vida em adultos usuários de implante coclear

“…A recent study evaluating the QOL in post-lingual adults and elderly users of cochlear implant through the SF-36 and "Questionnaire for Self-Assessment of CI Benefit" questionnaires observed a significant increase in QOL subdomains and total score (23) . The comparison of the quality of life results with the EG and CG pointed out similar results between groups, with a significant difference only for the domain 4 (environment).…”

Stylomastoid Foramen Osteoma Unique Challenges for Appropriate Management

“…Although there were some different responses to the questionnaire between groups, both showed very good result and satisfaction with CI. Results obtained in terms of auditory perception, general health and perceived benefit showed that advanced chronological age could not be considered as major factor limiting the effectiveness of CI [32].…”