Long-Term Use of Cochlear Implants in the Older Adult Population.

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q2 AUDIOLOGY & SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Audiology and Neuro-Otology Pub Date : 2026-07-13 DOI:10.1159/000553546

Maya Hatley, Emily R Spitzer, Susan B Waltzman

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective: Hearing loss affects 60-70% of elderly people, with ∼10% of these potentially eligible for cochlear implantation (CI). While outcomes in older adults have been positive, concerns remain regarding long-term auditory performance due to higher incidence of comorbidities, reduced cortical plasticity, and cognitive decline. This study evaluates 10-year speech perception outcomes and potential mediating factors in adults ≥60 years old at implantation.

Methods: A retrospective chart review identified 98 patients implanted between 2006 and 2014 who were ≥60 years old at surgery with ≥10 years of follow-up. The primary outcome was unilateral (CI-only) Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word scores in quiet at 10 years, also measured preoperatively and at one and 5 years postoperatively.

Results: Mean age at implantation was 70.2 years (standard deviation [SD]: 6.4, range: 60.1-85.3), and mean CI experience was 12.6 years (SD: 2.5, range: 10.0-20.1). CNC scores improved significantly from preoperative levels at one (d: 54.2%, q = 31.70, p < 0.001), five (d: 56.5%, q = 31.8, p < 0.001), and 10 years (d: 60.0%, q = 34.67, p < 0.001), without significant differences among postoperative time points. CNC scores did not differ significantly between patients implanted ≥70 versus <70 years old (F(1, 96) = 1.1, p = 0.306). Greater average daily CI use at most recent appointment correlated with higher CNC scores at all postoperative intervals (r = 0.435-0.595, p < 0.001). Inability to live independently was associated with significantly lower scores at 5 years (d = 15.2, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Speech perception outcomes were stable in most elderly CI users 10 years post-implantation. Performance was not associated with age at implantation but was positively related to consistent device use and independent living. Limitations include some missing data, especially 10 years postoperatively, and inability to assess the impact of cognitive function on outcomes.

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老年人长期使用人工耳蜗。

目的：听力损失影响60-70%的老年人，其中约10%可能适合人工耳蜗植入（CI）。虽然老年人的结果是积极的，但由于合并症的发生率较高，皮层可塑性降低和认知能力下降，长期听觉表现仍然令人担忧。本研究评估了植入时≥60岁成人10年的语言感知结果和潜在的中介因素。方法：回顾性分析2006-2014年间植入的98例患者，手术时年龄≥60岁，随访≥10年。主要结果是10年时单侧（仅ci）辅音-核-辅音（CNC）单词评分，也包括术前和术后1年和5年的评分。结果：平均种植年龄70.2岁（SD: 6.4，范围：60.1 ~ 85.3），平均CI经验12.6年（SD: 2.5，范围：10.0 ~ 20.1）。与术前相比，CNC评分在1分（d: 54.2%, q = 31.70, p < 0.001）和5分（d: 56.5%, q = 31.8, p）显著提高。结论：大多数老年CI使用者在植入后10年的语音感知结果稳定。性能与植入时的年龄无关，但与器械的持续使用和独立生活呈正相关。局限性包括一些缺失的数据，特别是术后10年，以及无法评估认知功能对结果的影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Audiology and Neuro-Otology 医学-耳鼻喉科学

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

6.20%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： ''Audiology and Neurotology'' provides a forum for the publication of the most-advanced and rigorous scientific research related to the basic science and clinical aspects of the auditory and vestibular system and diseases of the ear. This journal seeks submission of cutting edge research opening up new and innovative fields of study that may improve our understanding and treatment of patients with disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems, their central connections and their perception in the central nervous system. In addition to original papers the journal also offers invited review articles on current topics written by leading experts in the field. The journal is of primary importance for all scientists and practitioners interested in audiology, otology and neurotology, auditory neurosciences and related disciplines.