gms | German Medical Science

In recent literature the creation of competence centers to perform Cochlea Implantation and rehab has been postulated. Our data shows the results of our patients since 2003.

80 patients have been implanted (14 bilateral, overall n=94). The median age was 52.8a (1–88a), the postoperative course was monitored for 29 months (median, interval from 2–74 months). The files were checked for complete data sets including pre- and postoperative results in monosyllabic tests (Freiburger) at 60 and 80dB as well as the speech recognition in the HSM-sentence-test. By means of the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP), the subjective benefit after Cochlea Implantation was quantified.

The speech recognition in the HSM-sentence-test rose from 2.3% to 87%, monosyllabic recognition at 60dB showed an improvement from 0.8% to 45%, and from 2.5% to 70% at 80dB, respectively. The response rate concerning the questionnaire was 61%. The hearing impairment showed a value of 40 (0=“no difficulty“, 100 „cannot manage at all“), the proportion of time wearing the hearing aid reached 92 points (0=“not at all“, 100=“all the time“). The hearing benefit was quantified with 80.5 points (0=“useless“, 100=“hearing is perfect with aid“), the residual impairment reached 32.8 points (0=“no difficulty“, 100=“cannot manage at all“). The overall satisfaction showed a value of 75 points (0=“not satisfied at all“, 100=“delighted with aid“).

The age, comorbidity, limited mobility and the financial situation of implanted patients requires assistance located nearby. Our results show that Cochlea Implantation is feasible with high quality in a rural setting.