Outcomes of consonant-vowel monosyllable perception and word recognition after cochlear implantation in elderly Japanese patients

Abstract

Conclusion: Performance in consonant-vowel (CV) monosyllable speech perception after cochlear implantation (CI) in the elderly (≥ 65 years) is equivalent to that of young adults (18–64 years). Present data in the Japanese language supported the indication for CI in the elderly. Word recognition after CI was significantly lower in the elderly than young adults. Objective: This study compared outcomes of monosyllable perception and word recognition after CI between elderly patients and young adults with post-lingual deafness. Age-related differences in CV monosyllable speech perception in Japanese were examined. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 137 patients with post-lingual deafness who underwent CI at Okayama University Hospital during 1992–2014 [young adults aged 18–64 years (n = 96) and elderly aged ≥ 65 years (n = 41) at implantation] was conducted. CV monosyllable speech perception post-CI was compared among age groups (18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89). CV monosyllable perception and word recognition scores post-CI were compared between the elderly and young adults. Results: There was no significant difference in CV monosyllable speech perception among age groups. CV monosyllable speech perception in the elderly (61.4 ± 25.5%) did not differ from that of young adults (65.9 ± 24.8%). Word recognition scores were significantly lower in the elderly (64.3 ± 28.1%) than young adults (80.4 ± 25.9%) (p < 0.05).