COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION IN THE ELDERLY

The purpose of this study was to compare the audiologic and surgical r esults of elderly patients receiving cochlear implants with other adul t patients, and to evaluate the benefit of cochlear implantation in th e geriatric population. Twenty-eight patients, aged 60 to 80 years, wh o received the Nucleus 22 channel cochlear implant were studied retros pectively. Mean audiologic test scores increased significantly after i mplantation. Postoperative audiologic test scores of this elderly popu lation are comparable to those of a matched group of younger adult pat ients. The surgical procedure was well tolerated in all elderly patien ts, and there were two postoperative complications requiring revision procedures. A questionnaire was used to assess implant use and the imp act of cochlear implantation on the quality of life in this elderly po pulation. Average implant use per day was 13.8 hours, and 65% of patie nts were able to recognize voices over the telephone. More than 80% of patients believed that their quality of life had improved significant ly, that their self-confidence had increased, and that their decision regarding implantation was correct. The results of this Study indicate that elderly patients with bilateral, profound, sensorineural hearing loss should not be denied consideration for cochlear implantation bas ed on age alone.