Patient Older Age Not an Issue in Revision Cochlear Implantation

Newswise — Older age of a patient does not appear to be an issue when revision cochlear implantation is warranted because of device failure, according to a report published online by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Cochlear implantation improves speech perception but revision surgery may be needed to resolve a technical issue or restore speech performance. The incidence of revision is low but what is relatively unknown is how, and if, advanced age at revision surgery influences postrevision success. Margaret T. Dillon, AuD, of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and co-authors conducted an analysis of patients who underwent revision cochlear implantation at UNC Hospitals: 14 patients younger than 65 years old and 15 patients 65 years or older. The revisions were necessary either because of hard failure (an inability to present electric stimulation) or soft failure (such as pain, shocking, unusual auditory sensations or reduced speech perception abilities). The study found no association between age at revision surgery and speech perception performance, according to the results. “The restoration in speech perception abilities within six months of listening experience with the revised device was not influenced by the patient’s age at revision implantation. Advanced age should not be a contraindication to revision cochlear implantation even in the setting of a suspected soft failure. Older adults experience gains in speech perception abilities after revision cochlear implantation that meet or exceed previous performance,” the study concludes.

Dillon, an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, is corresponding author of the study. Co-authors are Oliver F. Adunka, MD; Meredith L. Anderson, AuD; Marcia C. Adunka, AuD; English R. King, AuD; Craig A. Buchman, MD; and Harold C. Pillsbury, MD.