title: Opinions on cochlear implant use in senior MED-EL patients.
abstract: This study assessed the subjective benefits of cochlear implants in senior patients wearing a MED-EL device. Data was compared with previous studies to assess the influence of recent speech-coding strategies and behind-the-ear speech processors; users of the behind-the-ear device and the body-worn device were also compared. An adaptation of the Nucleus 22-channel survey was sent to 141 cochlear implant users. The survey assesses perception of the device, communication benefits, handling the device and quality of life. Ninety-five surveys were returned. Results demonstrate that advanced technology provides greater benefit now than 9-13 years ago, notably: improved listening across noise, better understanding on the telephone and better speech perception. Users of the behind-the-ear device did not report more difficulties than body-worn device users but demonstrated better performance. Results show a positive outcome for cochlear implantation in a MED-EL seniors group.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Research Department, MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria. ilona.anderson@medel.com
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Patrick S C
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: D'Haese
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pitterl
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004056:Differential Threshold; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome