Cochlear Implantation in the Elderly: Review on the Clinical Effectiveness

Abstract

The aim of this review is to identify relevant literature reports on cochlear implantation in the elderly population; to compare the outcome of hearing rehabilitation in elderly versus younger adult cochlear implant recipients; to review reported surgical complications; to analyze possible predictive factors; and to evaluate the health-related quality of life. All elderly cohorts had a significant improvement in speech understanding and a positive impact on quality of life after cochlear implantation without an increased surgical risk. It was irrelevant if elderly was defined at the age of 60 or 80 years. Complex hearing tasks, such as hearing in background noise, may require a longer time for comprehension, and in general, the elderly population requires longer auditory therapy than the younger counterparts. Duration of deafness seems to be the most redundant predictive factor supported in most studies. Cochlear implantation candidacy in elderly patients must be made on an individual basis, dependent on overall health as well as cognitive status. Advanced age alone is not a contraindication when determining candidacy for cochlear implantation.