Hearing rehabilitation using a cochlear implant – a way of long-term improvement of quality of life in the elderly

Introduction In Germany, the proportion of CI candidates over 70 is increasing. In the literature, there is ample evidence for an improvement in speech comprehension comparable to younger patients, as well as a rapid improvement in quality of life. However, very few data are available on the long-term effects of hearing rehabilitation with CI.

Material and Methods  This prospective observational study included 21 patients aged between 70 and 79 who had been treated unilaterally with a CI for the first time for about seven years. In our previous study, these patients were assessed preoperatively and six months postoperatively with the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. To evaluate the long-term effects, a new study was conducted.

Results There was no significant difference in the WHOQOL-OLD total score between seven years postoperatively and six months postoperatively (p<0.05). Similarly, when the other six facets were considered, there was no significant difference from the assessment six months postoperatively (p<0.05). Summary The data of our study demonstrate not only a rapid improvement in speech understanding and quality of life after hearing rehabilitation using CI in patients over the age of 70 but also a stable improvement in quality of life over many years.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023