Cochlear Implantation in the Elderly: Outcomes, Long-term Evolution, and Predictive Factors

Objective: Our goal in this study is to find out the outcomes of cochlear implantation in elderly (> 60 years) and check if this improvement is similar to that of their younger counterparts in short- and long-term evolution. In addition, we have attempted to ascertain the predictive factors that might affect the verbal comprehension results of older patients.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Ninety-four patients older than 40 years, divided into two groups. 40-60 years n = 55 and > 60 years n = 39. A pure-tone audiometry, a disyllabic word test, and the test of phonetically balanced sentences of Navarra were made in silence to each patient. These measurements were made pre-implantation and 1, 5, and 10 year post-implantation. Peri- and postoperative complications were registered. The hypothetic predictive factors of post-implanted performance were evaluated in the elderly.

Results: Our study shows no significant difference between young and old adult´s outcomes in short- and long-term evolutions, nor in the complication rate. Furthermore, we proved the significant influence of the side of implantation, use of hearing aids, and duration of hearing loss in the short- and long-term results in the elderly.

Conclusion: This study shows that cochlear implantation in the elderly is as safe, useful, and worthwhile as in young adults. Age has a low influence in cochlear implant outcomes; however, we have found the significant influence of the side of implantation, the use of hearing aids, and the duration of hearing loss in the short- and long-term results.