How Cochlear Implant Trends in Canada Can Inform Your Practice

The field of cochlear implantation has seen significant advancements over the years, particularly in Canada. A survey conducted in 2008, which analyzed trends from 1995 to 2007, offers valuable insights for practitioners aiming to improve their clinical practice and outcomes for adults with severe to profound hearing loss.

Here are the key takeaways from the survey:

• **Growth in Implantation:** The number of adult cochlear implantations has grown substantially, particularly after 1999. By 2007, 2,534 adults had received implants, with an average of 296 patients receiving implants annually in the last five years covered by the survey.
• **Age Trends:** While most recipients are under 60, there's a growing trend in implanting adults over 80. This shift suggests a broader acceptance and effectiveness of cochlear implants across age groups.
• **Resource Concerns:** Major concerns among centers include clinical resources, clerical support, and surgical services. These challenges can affect the timely provision of services and the overall patient experience.
• **Patient Concerns:** Patients are primarily concerned about the costs of maintaining and upgrading their devices and access to timely assessments and surgeries.
• **Clinical Discussions:** Borderline audiologic candidacy, bilateral implantation, and bimodal hearing are key topics of interest for clinical discussions, indicating areas where further research and resource allocation are needed.

To implement these findings into your practice, consider the following strategies:

• **Expand Age Criteria:** Given the positive outcomes for older adults, consider broadening the age criteria for cochlear implantation in your practice.
• **Advocate for Resources:** Advocate for increased clinical and clerical support to ensure timely and efficient patient care.
• **Patient Education:** Educate patients about the costs and benefits of device maintenance and upgrades to alleviate their concerns.
• **Engage in Clinical Discussions:** Stay updated on the latest research and engage in discussions about borderline candidacy, bilateral implantation, and bimodal hearing to enhance your clinical practice.

For a more detailed understanding of the survey and its findings, practitioners are encouraged to read the original research paper. This will provide a comprehensive view of the trends and challenges in adult cochlear implantation in Canada.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Adult Cochlear Implantation in Canada: Results of a Survey.