CORRELATES OF COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION, 1986-1992

There is a paucity of information regarding the use of cochlear implan ts within large populations, This article describes correlates of coch lear implantation procedures using a statewide hospital discharge data base, Among the 146 implant procedures, 55% involved female patients, whereas the largest groups of patients were represented by younger and older persons (27% between ages 2 and 9 years and 24% 60 years and ol der), A bimodal distribution was apparent for average annual age-speci fic rates of cochlear implantation, with the highest rates among perso ns aged 2 to 9 years (5.4 implants per 1 million) and persons aged 60 to 69 years (3.7 implants per 1 million), Total hospital charges, excl uding professional fees, exceeded $12,000 per implant and were found t o vary significantly when examined by length of stay and by calendar y ear of procedure, The data presented are unique with regard to the tot al number of cochlear implant procedures included and the large, diver se population used, This study expands knowledge concerning the epidem iology and utilization of cochlear implantation.