Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-94fs2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-13T01:59:33.476Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Development of the Midland adult cochlear implant programme

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

H. R. Cooper*
Affiliation:
Midland Cochlear Implant Programme, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
I.M. Cheshire
Affiliation:
Midland Cochlear Implant Programme, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Huw Cooper, Consultant Audiological Scientist, Hearing Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Mdilands B29 6Jd.

Abstract

This paper describes the development of adult cochlear implantation in Birmingham over its first six years, from 1990 to 1996. During this time 366 patients were referred to the implant programme, female referrals outnumbered males 1.2:1. Eight per cent of referrals were over the age of 70.

The annual rate of referral suggests a fairly steady demand for the service. Approximately one third of patients referred each year were subsequently implanted. The centre is currently performing an average of 2 implants per month. The average time from referral to implant is approximately 19 months.

The greatest number of referrals originated from health districts closest to the implant centre. An examination of patients implanted suggested an imbalance in the uptake of the service amongst the different socio-economic groups.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Davies, A. (1995) Hearing in Adults: The prevalence and distribution of hearing impairment and reported hearing disability. In the MRC Institute of Hearing Research's National Study of Hearing. Whurr Publishers Ltd., London.Google Scholar
Lehnhardt, E., Aschendorff, A. (1993) Prognostic factors in 187 adults provided with the Nucleus Cochlear Mini-System 22. In Cochlear Implants: New Perspectives, Advances in Otolaryngology (Fraysse, B., Deguine, O., eds.), Karger, Basel, pp 146152.Google Scholar
Summerfield, A. Q., Marshall, D. H. (1995) Cochlear Implantation in the UK 1990–1994. Report by the MRC Institute of Hearing Research on the Evaluation of the National Cochlear Implant Programme. Main report. HMSO, London.Google Scholar