The benefit of cochlear implantation in the Japanese elderly

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of cochlear implant for Japanese elderly people with profound hearing loss. A questionnaire was administered to the five Japanese elderly people over 65 years old with the Nucleus 22 channel device and their family. The questionnaire was designed to gain insight into the patientʹs daily use and to evaluate the quality of life. Elderly patients who were implanted with the Nucleus device showed good ability to identify environmental sound and revealed no significant deterioration compared to younger patients. Implanted patients showed some difficulties in understanding speech in the noisy environment and conversation among several persons. Nevertheless, 80% of patients over 65 and their family reported communication benefits in the family and in social activities. In addition, 80% of the patients reported that they felt the better or improved quality of life after the implantation. All patients considered the implant was good for their life and would recommend a cochlear implant to a deaf friend. It is notable that 60% of patients and their family report that the recipients have become more cheerful. This study showed the cochlear implant contributes to the better quality of life in the Japanese elderly.