What outcome is expected?

Although some adult patients can hear and understand speech — and even use the telephone — when their implant is first switched on, it can take a number of years, rather than months, for a patient to reach their maximum potential with a cochlear implant system.

Since the start of the programme, NCIP has been collecting data on the performance of its patients with cochlear implants. The outcomes show that sound detection, speech understanding and the patients’ speech intelligibility are significantly improved. The benefit achieved by individual patients depends on many factors, including the length of time for which they have been profoundly deaf.

As shown below, within five years of cochlear implant use, 40% of profoundly deaf children are able to hear on the telephone and the majority are able to understand everyday conversation.

The results which patients are able to achieve with cochlear implants have far outstripped the initial expectations of professionals in the field when implantation began in the UK.

As the children first implanted in Nottingham 17 years ago go on to college, university and begin their careers, and as the adults implanted regain their confidence, self esteem and seek additional challenges in the workplace, we look forward to greater access to this wonderful technology for all who need it.

By Tracey Twomey
Clinical Scientist in Audiology and Manager of the Nottingham Cochlear Implant Programme

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