Hallin Karin, Larsson Ulrika, Schart-Morén Nadine
Department of Surgical Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
Audiol Res. 2023 Jan 19;13(1):96-106. doi: 10.3390/audiolres13010010.
The present study aims to investigate the usage and benefits of cochlear implants (CIs) in elderly patients aged ≥85 years, including their device-handling issues, follow-ups, and the influence on their well-being. The patients answered one questionnaire regarding quality of life, EQ5D-3L, and one questionnaire, obtained from the Swedish CI quality register, regarding usage, handling, satisfaction, remaining difficulties, etc. The medical records were searched for the implantation date, implant model, speech processor model, monosyllabic (MS) word scores, infections over the implant, and compliance regarding scheduled visits to the clinic. The results show that most elderly patients are satisfied full-time users of their implants. Even though most patients had no problems handling their CI, handling issues must be considered. Recurring guidance and training on device operation are needed. We suggest that follow-up visits are essentially needed for this group of patients on a regular basis. CI surgery is considered a safe treatment, even for the elderly. Upgrads to new external equipment (e.g., sound processors) should not be excluded because of their age. The results suggested that the CI positively affected their well-being. This study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (5/10-2021, Dnr: 2021-04970).
本研究旨在调查人工耳蜗（CI）在85岁及以上老年患者中的使用情况和益处，包括设备操作问题、随访情况以及对其生活质量的影响。患者回答了一份关于生活质量的问卷（EQ5D - 3L），以及一份从瑞典人工耳蜗质量登记处获取的关于使用、操作、满意度、尚存困难等方面的问卷。研究人员查阅了医疗记录，以获取植入日期、植入体型号、言语处理器型号、单音节（MS）单词得分、植入体感染情况以及定期门诊就诊的依从性。结果显示，大多数老年患者对其植入体为全职满意使用者。尽管大多数患者在操作人工耳蜗时没有问题，但仍需考虑操作问题。需要对设备操作进行反复指导和培训。我们建议，对于这组患者，定期随访至关重要。人工耳蜗手术即使对老年人来说也被认为是一种安全的治疗方法。不应因其年龄而排除升级使用新的外部设备（如声音处理器）的可能性。结果表明，人工耳蜗对他们的生活质量有积极影响。本研究已获得瑞典伦理审查局批准（2021年10月5日，编号：2021 - 04970）。
