Age alone not a barrier for cochlear implant, say otolaryngologists
International researchers and clinicians have developed the first consensus guidelines on the device
Adults who are eligible for cochlear implants should receive the device as soon as possible to maximise post-implantation speech recognition, according to world-first guidance.
But age alone should not limit a patient’s candidacy for implantation, as studies have demonstrated improved quality of life — with one showing improved cognition — in older adults receiving an implant, the document says.
An international panel of clinicians and researchers, including Melbourne otolaryngologist Professor Robert Briggs, has developed