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. 2024 Feb;134 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S1-S14.
doi: 10.1002/lary.30879. Epub 2023 Jul 12.

American Cochlear Implant Alliance Task Force: Recommendations for Determining Cochlear Implant Candidacy in Adults

Daniel M Zeitler  1 , Sandra M Prentiss  2 , Sarah A Sydlowski  3 , Camille C Dunn  4
Affiliations

American Cochlear Implant Alliance Task Force: Recommendations for Determining Cochlear Implant Candidacy in Adults

Daniel M Zeitler et al. Laryngoscope. 2024 Feb.

Abstract

The indications for cochlear implantation have expanded over time due to evidence demonstrating identification and implantation of appropriate cochlear implant (CI) candidates lead to significant improvements in speech recognition and quality of life (QoL). However, clinical practice is variable, with some providers using outdated criteria and others exceeding current labeled indications. As a results, only a fraction of those persons who could benefit from CI technology receive it. This document summarizes the current evidence for determining appropriate referrals for adults with bilateral hearing loss into CI centers for formal evaluation by stressing the importance of treating each ear individually and a "revised 60/60 rule". By mirroring contemporary clinical practice and available evidence, these recommendations will also provide a standardized testing protocol for CI candidates using a team-based approach that prioritizes individualized patient care. This manuscript was developed by the Adult Cochlear Implantation Candidacy Task Force of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance using review of the existing literature and clinical consensus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:S1-S14, 2024.

Keywords: adult; candidacy; cochlear implant; evidence; protocol; recommendation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Factors to consider in an evaluation for a CI candidate.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flowchart summarizing the protocol for cochlear implant candidacy testing in an adult with bilateral hearing loss.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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