Cochlear Implant Therapy Improves the Quality of Life in Older Patients-A Prospective Evaluation Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of cochlear implant (CI) hearing rehabilitation on quality of life in older patients (≥65 yr).

Study design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University Frankfurt/Main.

Patients: Patients aged between 65 and 86 years who received unilateral CI therapy for the first time.

Intervention: Unilateral cochlear implantation.

Main outcome measures: In addition to audiological parameters, the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale - old (WHOQL-OLD) was used to assess quality of life prior to surgery, at the time of first fitting of the audio processor (approx. 1 mo after surgery) and 6 months afterward. Dementia and depression were excluded using dementia detection test (DemTect) and geriatric depression scale.

Results: Speech recognition improved significantly during the study period. Furthermore, the total WHOQL-OLD score showed a significant improvement of quality of life comparing the preoperative and the 6 months data (60.0 ± 15.7 to 66.8 ± 12.2 points) (p = 0.001). Only 6 months after surgery, comparable quality of life values were achieved compared to the corresponding population average of the same age group (67.96 ± 14.74 points). No statistically significant difference remained between the study group and the age-adjusted population average (p = 0.37).

Conclusion: To achieve auditory rehabilitation, CI treatment in older patients can be strongly recommended, not only hearing rehabilitation, but also to improve quality of life.