Results of the National Cochlear Implant Program: ENT Department Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Profound bilateral sensorioneural hearing loss is the third leading cause of disability in Chile, with an incidence of 1 to 3 cases for every 1.000 born, which may be managed with cochlear implants. Aim: Describe results of the cohort of patients implanted at Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital. Material and method: Retrospective cohort study. We report the results of all patients implanted in the period from 2003 to 2011. Results: 80 patients were implanted. The median age at implantation was 48 months. 37 (46.25%) patients were female, 7 (8.75%) were premature, and 14 (17.5%) had a history of bacterial meningitis. 68 (85%) were prelingual diagnosed, 9 (11.25%) post­lingual, and 3 (3.75%) perilinguals. The average preoperative PTP was 111.82 dB, and postoperative was 25.36 dB (p <0.0001). Regarding integration, 100% of postlingual patients, 67.7% of prelingual, and 100% of perilinguales are fully integrated into their activities. There have been 5% complications: one facial paralysis, one infected hematoma, and two bone wax allergies. Conclusion: The results of this program are highly satisfactory. All patients are up to date with good adherence and rehabilitation. The evaluation of this program allows us to suggest that should be expanded.