Postlingual geriatrik koklear implant kullanıcılarında yaşam kalitesi

Abstract

Aim: Sensorineural hearing losses in adults may prevent communication with the environment, leading to social isolation, mental problems, loss of business and a reduced quality of life. Cochlear implantation is an important treatment method enabling restoration of hearing in selected patients who have postlingual severe hearing loss and fail to benefit from hearing aids. In this study, we aimed to research the effect of cochlear implant on the quality of life of geriatric patients aged 60 and over with post lingual hearing loss, who underwent unilateral cochlear implantation due to severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss.
 Materials and Method: 17 geriatric post lingual patients aged 60 and older who underwent unilateral cochlear implantation due to severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss between 2008 and 2015 were included in this study. A Turkish language version of the Short-Form 36 survey was used to evaluate the patient's quality of life.
 Results: The patients were aged between 61 and 84 years, and the mean age of the patients was 69,5±7 years. The etiology of hearing loss included sudden hearing loss 6 patients, progressive hearing loss in 10 patients, and a sequel of meningitis in 1 patient. According to the result of the Short-Form 36 survey, physical condition, general condition, and psychological condition results were found to be positive at the rates of 76,4%, 88,2%, and 94,1% respectively. 
 Conclusion: In selected patients of advanced age, cochlear implantation is a treatment method that improves, aside from hearing rehabilitation, the patients' relationship with the environment, eliminating the need for additional care and support, contributing to increased self-confidence and emotional happiness, and consequently, positively affecting the quality of life.