Cochlear implantation in patients over 80

Abstract

The aim of this case review was to determine the benefits or problems of cochlear implantation in elderly people with severe hearing loss, for application in their rehabilitation. Retrospective reviews of 4 cases older than 80 years at the time of cochlea implantation indicated that all cases improved in hearing threshold and speech recognition after implantation. Cochlea implantation in elderly people brought improvement in auditory performance, psychological changes such as less aggressiveness, and better daily activities. These results demonstrated that cochlear implantation is a successful treatment for improving quality of life in deaf elderly people with severe hearing loss. However, although no problems were in evidence concerning ADL (activities of daily living), all subjects had problems managing and operating their device in abnormal situations. These results indicate that skill in management and operation of their device is necessary. Carefully informed consent for patients and their families is needed before implantation, and cooperation should be requested from families or close relatives who know where to contact in times of emergency.