ABSTRACT
Cochlear implants (CIs) have been recognized as a safe and effective means for profound hearing loss rehabilitation, and their use has been gradually extended to older adults. Considering the reported increasing prevalence of hearing loss in the population above 70 years, it is likely that a rehabilitation by CIs will widespread in the near future.
Many factors could influence the outcome of auditory performances in older adults. These include age-related central auditory processing disorders, long time auditory deprivation, and difficulties associated with use of technological devices. However, CIs have been described to offer audiological and quality of life (QoL) benefits with the elderly by improving communication skills, social interactions, and providing for more personal independence in the daily life.
The aim of this chapter is to evaluate, through a review of the literature, the effectiveness of CIs in older adults presenting profound/severe sensori-neural hearing loss. This chapter focuses on the patient QoL perception after implantation.
