OCTO "Outcomes of cochlear implant for the octogenarians: audiologic and quality-of-life".

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the impact on quality of life, hearing performance, and surgical complications among patients aged 80 years and older, at the time of cochlear implantation.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review and quality of life assessment.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS: All elderly cochlear implant recipients aged 80 years and older (30 patients), who underwent implantation through the Quebec Cochlear Implant Program.

INTERVENTION(S): Postoperative validated quality-of-life questionnaire with clinical and audiologic data extraction using the medical record.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The validated "Glasgow Benefit Inventory" questionnaire was used to quantify the impact on quality of life. Audiologic preoperative and postoperative evaluation consisted of speech recognition scores (MAT and HINT scores). Complications were retrospectively collected after each cochlear implantation.

RESULTS

A majority of them reported using their cochlear implant almost always with great quality-of-life benefits (increase +37.5 on the GBI). They also experienced a significant improvement in audiologic performance as seen with speech recognition scores (p < 0.0001). There were very few surgical complications, but 4 patients had delayed complications (otalgia, tinnitus, and hyperacusis).

CONCLUSION

This is the most extensive study on the impact of quality of life for patients aged 80 years and older who received a cochlear implant. The audiologic benefit in this population is undeniable, and the quality-of-life improvement is comparable to studies made on much younger patients. It is also well-tolerated surgery with relatively low risk but with possible delayed complications. Given all these results, there should be no concerns regarding implantation in well-selected octogenarians.