The demographic change in the cochlea implant population – development over the first 1000 implantations

Introduction:

Since the introduction of cochlea implants (Cis), a steady expansion regarding the indication has taken place parallel to the rapid progress in technical development. At the beginning of the first CIs, the goal for optimistic advocates was simply to facilitate lip reading for deaf patients through electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. Nowadays, patients' and experts' expectation changed tremendously. Thus, in addition to patients with a relevant residual hearing, increasingly unilaterally deaf patients, patients with tinnitus, and elderly patients are successfully supplied with a CI due to the excellent clinical experience. Besides expansion of the indication range, the patient population, which is supplied with a CI, has shifted significantly over the last decades.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the data from over 1000 CI operations and present the corresponding data.

Results, Conclusions:

In addition to a significant conversion in the age distribution, the number of patients receiving a second CI has steadily increased over the last few years. The classic CI indications are complemented by the increasing shift of borders and extension to special patient groups. In addition, the performance of revision operations will play an increasingly important role in the future. Finally, the demographic change is critically discussed with regard to the requirements for the rehabilitation of the respective patients and about the future development.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)