LONE TREE, COLORADO — The first-ever international guidelines that detail who should undergo testing and referral for a cochlear implant have been published by a global team of experts. The Living Guidelines for Cochlear Implantation in Adults, aims to provide essential recommendations on the topic.
According to estimates, out of every 100 adults in the U.S. who could benefit from a cochlear implant, only three will receive one. This is partly due to delayed seeking of help and insufficient advice on treatment options. The new guidelines aim to provide consistent evidence-based recommendations for adults living with hearing loss and clinicians treating hearing loss.
“Millions of adults live with untreated significant hearing loss and often times an over-the-counter or prescription hearing aid simply cannot help them communicate effectively,” said Meredith Holcomb AuD. Director, Hearing Implant Program, University of Miami Ear Institute and Co-Chair of the CI Taskforce. “Their ears reach a point where increasing the volume of sounds causes distortion instead of clarity. This is when a cochlear implant is necessary as it can bypass the damaged parts of the ear to allow for improved speech understanding.”
“People sometimes delay seeking treatment for hearing loss until they are struggling in their everyday life. Even when they do receive help, they may see multiple hearing healthcare providers in the same city and get different advice about their treatment options. Unfortunately, many are never told about the option and benefit of cochlear implants until their hearing is horribly bad. With these guidelines, adults living with hearing loss and clinicians treating hearing loss will have consistent evidence-based advice about who should be tested and referred for a cochlear implant, and what standards of care they should go on to receive if they qualify.”
Lou Ferrigno, a fitness expert and actor who has experienced profound hearing loss throughout his life, received a cochlear implant and went from 15 percent word understanding to 95 percent with the device. He expressed his support for the new guidelines, encouraging others to seek treatment for hearing loss and reminding them that there is no shame in getting it treated.
“I heard a lot of misinformation about cochlear implants over the years, but a friend of mine received the device and went from 15 percent word understanding before the implant to 95 percent with the implant,” said Ferrigno. “I’m someone that has had profound hearing loss almost all my life, so if this cochlear implant is working for me already, it can give other people hope too. I wish I would have entertained a cochlear implant sooner. There is no shame in hearing loss and getting it treated.”
The guidelines provide a significant step forward for people with hearing loss who need guidance and support to understand their treatment options. With consistent recommendations, individuals with significant hearing loss will be better informed about their options, and clinicians will be able to provide the best possible care.
For more information visit adulthearing.com/living-guidelines.
References
- World report on hearing. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.S
- Living Guidelines for Cochlear Implantation in Adults. Available at https://app.magicapp.org/#/guideline/j2bBrj/section/noR8W1. [Last Accessed February 2023]
- Nassiri AM, Sorkin DL, Carlson ML. Current Estimates of Cochlear Implant Utilization in the United States. Otol Neurotol. 2022 Jun 1;43(5):e558-e562. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003513. Epub 2022 Mar 8.
- Nassiri AM, Marinelli JP, Sorkin DL, Carlson ML. Barriers to Adult Cochlear Implant Care in the United States: An Analysis of Health Care Delivery. Semin Hear. 2021 Nov; 42(4): 311–320.
Source: Cochlear
