Systematic review evaluates cognitive and audiological outcomes of cochlear implantation in the elderly, suggesting significant benefits in auditory performance and quality of life.
Key Points
Evaluate cognitive, audiological, psychological, and quality-of-life outcomes following cochlear implantation in older adults.
Conducted systematic search of four databases for studies published up to February 2026.
Included adults aged ≥55 years with bilateral hearing loss who underwent cochlear implantation and reported pre- and post-implantation outcomes.
Pooled analyses conducted using random-effects models with outcomes expressed as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.
Global cognition improved significantly as assessed by the RBANS-H and MoCA, while no significant change was observed with the MMSE (MD = 0.20, 95% CI: −0.75 to 1.15, p = 0.68).
Significant improvements in audiological performance and speech perception alongside reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Patient-reported quality of life and subjective hearing ability showed substantial improvements, while no significant changes in various executive function and working memory measures were noted.