Is There an Age Limit for Cochlear Impantation?

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate quality of life following cochlear implantation in older postlocutive adults.

Method: Postlingually deaf adults 60 years or older who underwent implantation in 3 institutions were included. Data concerning demographics and audiometric evaluation were collected and studied. Patients were divided in 2 groups (< 70 and ≥ 70 years). GBI was used to quantify quality of life.

Results: Eighty-one patients were included. The mean age at implantation was 68 years (range, 60-82 years). A significant improvement in speech recognition after cochlear implantation was observed (P < .01). The results of the GBI questionnaire showed an important benefit on the total scale (mean, 40) and on the 3 different subscales (53, 24, and 4, respectively). These results were similar to those of younger postlocutive candidates. However, particular cases with decreased quality of life were identified, in spite of acceptable audiologic results. The difference between the <70 and ≥70 years groups was not significant.

Conclusion: Elderly CI users improve their quality of life, with similar outcomes to those achieved by younger adults. Because of particular conditions of this population, care must be taken when indicating a CI. Cochlear implantation should not be denied on the basis of age alone.