Effects of an evidence-based model for cochlear implant aftercare delivery on clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2023

Publication Title

Cochlear implants international

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess an evidence-based model (EBM) approach to cochlear implant (CI) aftercare that includes a modified, reduced treatment schedule for newly-implanted adult CI recipients consisting of four appointments (initial activation, 1-, 3- and 6- months postactivation) in the first year post-surgery.

METHOD: This prospective multicenter proof-of-concept study was conducted across three clinics in the United States by five experienced CI clinicians. Seventeen newly-implanted adult patients with postlingual hearing loss enrolled in the study. Hearing outcomes were measured using objective speech testing and subjective self-report measures.

RESULTS: Most recipients (14/17; 82%) were able to follow the four-appointment EBM schedule. The reduced number of visits translated into an average time savings of 3 hours per patient. Significant improvements in speech perception were observed at both 3- and 6-months postactivation, as measured by CNC words in quiet and AzBio sentences at +10 dB SNR, consistent with published results achieved by traditional practices. Recipients were significantly satisfied with telephone, music, small group conversation, and television listening at 6 months postactivation. Recipient satisfaction with overall service was rated as "excellent" by 14/14 (100%) respondents.

CONCLUSION: The four-appointment EBM approach delivered efficient and effective audiological aftercare to CI recipients in the first year following CI implantation.

Volume

24

Issue

6

First Page

325

Last Page

334

DOI

10.1080/14670100.2023.2188007

ISSN

1754-7628

PubMed ID

36927486

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