Sustained Cognitive Improvement in Patients over 65 Two Years after Cochlear Implantation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term benefits of cochlear implantation (CI) on cognitive performance, speech perception, and psychological status in post-lingually deafened patients older than 65 (n = 33). Patients were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study and assessed before, one year after, and two years after CI for speech perception, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and working memory and processing speed. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) was used for the latter. Thirty-three patients (fourteen men and nineteen women) were included. The scores indicating “hearing in quiet” and “hearing with background noise” improved significantly one year after CI and remained so two years after CI. The sound localization scores improved two years after CI. The depressive symptoms and perceived stress scores were low at the study’s onset and remained unchanged. Working memory improved significantly two years after CI, while processing speed improved significantly one year after CI and was maintained after that. The improvement in working memory and processing speed two years after CI suggests there is a sustained positive effect of auditory rehabilitation with CI on cognitive abilities.