The first global consensus supporting the therapeutic use of cochlear implant products in adults was published last week in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery.*

According to Professor Craig Buchman, Chair of the Consensus Delphi Process Steering Committee and Head of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, U.S., the consensus is a major landmark in the treatment of hearing loss.

“The International Consensus Paper is the culmination of a systematic review and a consensus process, put together to inform steps towards establishing clear and consistent guidelines, and best practices for the evaluation and management of patients with moderate to profound, or worse, sensorineural hearing loss, including cochlear implants and their aftercare, so they can reach their optimal hearing outcome and attain the best quality of life.”

The consensus paper included 20 statements covering seven categories for adults with severe, profound, or moderate sloping to profound hearing loss in both ears.* Each statement was agreed upon by the panel members following consultation with seven representatives from international patient and professional societies. Categories included:

  • Level of awareness of cochlear implants
  • Best-practice clinical pathway for diagnosis
  • Best-practice guidelines for surgery
  • Clinical effectiveness of cochlear implants
  • Factors associated with post-implantation outcomes
  • The relationship between hearing loss and depression, cognition, and dementia
  • Cost implications of cochlear implants

Read more about the Global Consensus here

Download the paper below:

* Buchman CA, Gifford RH, Haynes DS, et al. Unilateral Cochlear Implants for Severe, Profound, or Moderate Sloping to Profound Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Consensus Statements. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online August 27, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.0998