Trends in Age of Cochlear Implant Recipients, and the Impact on Perioperative Complication Rates

Objective: The aim of the study is to examine trends in the age of patients receiving cochlear implants and to determine the effect of age on the rate of perioperative complications. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of deidentified administrative claims data from a US commercial insurance database (Optum). Patients: Individuals undergoing cochlear implantation between 2003 and 2016. Setting: US hospital and outpatient facilities serving commercially insured patients. Intervention: Cochlear implantation. Main Outcome Measures: Age at implantation, incidence of perioperative complications within 30 days identified by ICD9/10 codes including device problems, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, local infection, meningitis, stroke, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and facial weakness. Results: Between 2003 and 2016, 3420 patients underwent a total of 4154 cochlear implants. The number of implants per year increased annually from 171 in 2003 to 531 in 2016, with the greatest growth demonstrated in those aged 60 and older. The age of patients undergoing implantation increased annually from an average of 26.6–57.2 years (p 
Source: Otology and Neurotology - Category: ENT & OMF Tags: COCHLEAR IMPLANTS Source Type: research