Value of Cochlear implants for over 65s

A research study at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee has tested for hearing scores following cochlear implants on people in two age groups, over 65s and 18 to 64. Everyone tested had similar levels of hearing impairment before receiving the device.

The subjects were all tested one year after receiving the implant. Results showed that all experienced significant improvement, but that those aged 65 and over did benefit less than the younger group.

For 65s and over, average scores for performance in a test measuring the ability to distinguish words in sentences was 22, rising to 70 one year later. In comparison the younger group received average scores of 23 and 83 respectively.

Another test performed was for word clarity. It was found that the older group received an average score of 38 one year after surgery, whereas the score for the younger group was 53.

Cochlear specialist and first author Dr. David R. Friedland and colleagues recommend further studies to determine why the scores of older people with cochlear implants tend to be slightly lower. Perhaps it is because older people need more than one year to overcome past adaptations to their hearing loss. Also, they may have chronic medical conditions that affect hearing, and they may have limitations in processing the implant signals.

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