Short summary

This study is a retrospective cohort study focusing on the risk of becoming a non-user of cochlear implants among recipients at Odense University Hospital between 2010 and 2022. Health data, extracted from public services, are combined with patient surveys to identify key factors behind cochlear implant non-use. Insights from this study will potentially enhance patient counseling, refine cochlear implant candidacy criteria, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Rationale

Patients whose lives are impeded by severe hearing loss or deafness can benefit from a cochlear implant. This device involves the surgical implantation of an electrode in the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve, enabling users to perceive sound. Cochlear implantation is widely regarded as a beneficial procedure for individuals with hearing loss. However, the comprehensive procedure, including consultations, surgery, device costs, and postoperative rehabilitation, can result in a total expense nearing $100,000 per patient. Despite the high cost of cochlear implants, the criteria for implantation continue to expand. Conversely, the issue of non-use of the device post-implantation has not been extensively studied in the past. This study aims to assess the rate of non-use of cochlear implants and identify characteristics of non-users

Description of the cohort

This study includes only adult patients (> 18 years of age) who recieved a cochlear implant between 01.01.10 to 31.12.22 at the Department of ORL Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology Odense University Hospital.

Data and biological material

Demographic Data such as age, gender, marital status, education level, and employment status. Specific data about the hearing loss diagnosis, including the degree of hearing loss, type (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed), and onset (prelingual or postlingual deafness). Data regarding responses to the questionnaire to determine the CI-related quality of life, satisfaction, and specific reasons for non-use or limited use.

Collaborating researchers and departments

The Department of ORL - Head and Neck Surgery, Odense University Hospital

• Jesper Roed Sørensen
• Christian Faber
• Jesper Hvass Schmidt

The University of Southern Denmark

• Thomas Hudlebusch Meldgaard