Cochlear Implantation in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck Surgery
Gaylor, J. M., Raman, G., et al. (2013).
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck Surgery, 139(3), 265-272.
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates communication- and health-related quality of life outcomes in adults using unilateral or bilateral cochlear implants. This is a partial update of a technical report published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2011).
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center
January 2004-May 2012
Comparative studies
42
<p>The systematic review found: </p><ul> <li>Consistent significant improvements in speech outcomes when compared pre- and post unilateral implantation.</li> <li>Statistically significant improvement in outcome scores in simultaneous bilateral implantation when compared to unilateral implantation (13/15 studies).</li></ul>
The meta-analysis of studies that measured quality-of-life pre- and postoperatively found significant improvement in scores in generic, cochlear implant specific, and otologically-related outcome measures for patients with unilateral cochlear implants. The heterogeneity of study design in studies with bilateral cochlear implants prevented a meta-analysis for bilateral implant users.
