Cochlear implantation in older adults: 15 years' experience of a tertiary centre in a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implant (CI) is a viable option of treatment for older patients with severe to profound deafness in resource-rich countries. Implantation is limited in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE: To review factors and outcomes of elderly patients that underwent CI in a pioneer centre in a developing country.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational retrospective review of patients older than 60, implanted between 2005 to 2020.

RESULTS: Eleven patients were included. Patient were aged 60-74 years old with median of 66 years old. Average duration of deafness prior to implantation is 22 years. All implantation was unilateral except for one case that was implanted sequentially after 5 years Three patients were privately funded. Analysis of the hearing aided level with CI and hearing aid showed substantial improvement provided by the CI. The Categories of Auditory performance (CAP-II) scale were in the range of 6-9.

DISCUSSION: Cochlear implant is safe and stable intervention in providing improvement of hearing and self-esteem in the elderly patients. Social isolation and depression also improved with better hearing and communication.

CONCLUSION: Awareness of the CI in elderly patients must be advocated among policy- makers, clinicians, and patients to mitigate the clinical and public health burden of hearing loss among older patients.