[Patient-related outcome measures (PROM) in adult cochlear implant patients].

BACKGROUND

Cochlear implants (CI) provide individuals with severe sensorineural hearing loss the opportunity for artificial auditory perception. The standardized documentation of speech intelligibility tests is widespread, while the systematic capture of patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) remains inconsistent.

METHODOLOGY: Relevant PROM instruments were evaluated and selected based on the criteria of dissemination, clarity, and relevance, integrated into routine clinical practice, and tested at longitudinal time points.

RESULTS

A total of three PROM instruments were selected and successfully integrated into the clinical routine. The comparison of 2 measurement points from 25 individuals showed improvements in subjective speech comprehension and tinnitus perception.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the clinical implementation and integration of PROMs in adult CI candidates and patients. The PROMs are a promising tool to support various phases of treatment, both as a decision aid for potential CI candidates and for monitoring after implantation.