Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Cochlear implantation has become widely accepted as an effective means of hearing rehabilitation in severely and profoundly deaf individuals. In the elderly, cochlear implantation involves a number of unique issues that can affect patient outcomes. These factors include age-related changes in the auditory system, prolonged durations of deafness, diminished communication abilities, and coexisting medical and psychosocial problems. In general, the results of cochlear implantation in the elderly have been comparable with those of younger adults. Perioperative attention to medical and surgical details allows for safe insertion and a minimum of postoperative complications. Patients older than 65 have obtained excellent results by both audiologic and quality-of-life measures.
Buchman et al. (1999) studied this question.