title: Estimation of the number of patients who might be suitable for cochlear implant and similar procedures.
abstract: Data have been drawn from four sources to estimate the number of profoundly, bilaterally hearing impaired in Britain who might benefit from a rehabilitational programme which would include cochlear implants and other specialised aids. The sources were: the IHR National Study of Hearing; a total ascertainment survey of General Practitioners, ENT Consultants, Health Visitors etc. in the Wessex Health Region, which requested basic data on their profoundly, bilaterally hearing impaired patients; more detailed questionnaire data obtained directly from a subset of the patients identified in the ascertainment study; and the experience of various cochlear implant centres. Criteria are proposed to select candidates suitable for the initial research and development work on implant devices and to select those who might later be suitable for a routine clinical service with an established technique. Estimates of the corresponding numbers are given. Guidelines for identifying those who might benefit from acoustical aids are offered.
mesh_terms: D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D003638:Deafness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation