Medical News
Cochlear implants now recognised as first response to hearing loss in adults
Panel of international experts recommend prescribing ear devices more often
Cochlear implantation is on its way to becoming the minimum standard of care for adults living with severe to profound hearing loss , after consensus was reached among a group of the leading global ear , nose and throat surgeons , audiologists , and hearing organisations .
The procedure involves surgery to place an electronic device inside the skull to send sound signals to the brain and the recent agreement is seen as a major landmark in the treatment of hearing loss , according to the author of a new paper .
“ Before now , there has never been an international agreement on the best way to diagnose and treat severe to profound hearing loss in adults ,” said Dr Craig Buchman , head of the department of otolaryngology at the Washington University School of Medicine , in a press release .
“ This paper outlines the first global consensus on how we can optimise care for adults with severe to profound hearing loss ,” he added . “ The recommendations for surgeons , audiology experts , and health care providers are crystal clear .”
The landmark move offers hope to up to 53 million people worldwide who live with severe to profound hearing loss and gives clear guidance for hearing health professionals . Signed by 31 specialists from 13 countries , its recommendations could eventually be developed into clinical practice guidelines .
Since hearing loss can happen gradually , many sufferers are not aware of the degree to which their ability to hear is diminishing , and many increasingly rely on lipreading without actually being aware of it .
In many countries , adults do not have their hearing assessed as part of regular health check-ups . Of those who receive hearing checks and are diagnosed with severe to profound hearing loss , few are referred to a hearing specialist to examine whether an implantable hearing device could be the most beneficial treatment option .
“ There are data to show that just one in every 20 adults who could benefit from a cochlear implant has the device . This could mean that many have been missing out on social connections and participating in everyday life ,” Dig Howitt , chief executive of Cochlear Ltd , an Australian implant manufacturer and one of the sponsors of the paper , told Global Health Asia-Pacific .
“ While technology has improved remarkably , awareness and access need to improve . This guidance will help professionals know when the time is right to refer for a cochlear implant assessment ,” he said .
According to Barbara Kelley , executive director of Hearing Loss Association of America , hearing loss is under-recognised globally , meaning that millions of people worldwide could benefit from the use of lifechanging hearing devices , such as a cochlear implant . Due to low awareness and inconsistent standards , up to 95 percent of adults could be missing out on lifechanging technology .
“ This consensus paper could be a tipping point . However , there is much more we need to work on to ensure that adults receive the best care for their hearing loss . It ’ s up to surgeons , audiology experts , primary care professionals , and healthcare organisations to work together and make these standards a reality ,” added Dr Buchman .
The landmark move offers hope to up to 53 million people worldwide who live with severe to profound hearing loss and gives clear guidance for hearing health professionals .
38 NOVEMBER 2020 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com