Cost utility of the multichannel cochlear implants in 258 profoundly deaf individuals.
Cost utility analysis is a method of cost-effectiveness analysis which provides results in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Cost utility for the multichannel cochlear implant was calculated using Ontario Health Utilities Index data from 229 Nucleus 22-channel implant users and 32 cochlear implant candidates awaiting surgery. The health utility of the implanted group was greater than that of the candidate group by 0.204 (P<.0001). Use of this figure in a cost utility calculation indicates that cochlear implantation costs approximately $15,928 per QALY provided. Sensitivity analysis, a technique which systematically varies the assumptions underlying the calculations, suggests a range for the true value of between $12,000 and $30,000. This compares very favorably with other medical interventions. It is concluded that profound hearing loss has a significant effect on quality of life, and measurement of the changes that result from cochlear implant use indicates that this technology provides significant improvements and is quite cost-effective.
Wyatt
J R
JR
Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21203-6402, USA.
Niparko
J K
JK
Rothman
M
M
deLissovoy
G
G
D000368:Aged; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D014481:United States