Cochlear implantation in Australia : a retrospective analysis of 23 years of activity

Abstract

OBJECTIVES : To report the number of cochlear implantation procedures and recipients in Australia since 2000 by age, and to estimate the adult uptake of cochlear implants. METHODS : This was a retrospective analysis of data, using publicly available data on private and public hospital procedures undertaken in Australia between 2000/01 and 2022/23. The main outcome measures were: (i) Number of cochlear implants per financial year, by paediatric, adult, or 10-year age groups, and population adjusted. (ii) Adult uptake rate of cochlear implants, adjusted for explantation and replantation rates, and bilateral implantation rates. This study followed STROBE guidelines for reporting. RESULTS : 25 611 devices were implanted between July 2000 and June 2023, with annual numbers rising from 200 per year to over 1400 per year. Despite females having a 50% lower prevalence of hearing loss than males, approximately an equal number of males and females are implanted. Paediatric implantation has declined since 2016. The adult uptake rate of cochlear implants is estimated to be 10.5%. CONCLUSIONS : Despite the known economic and social benefits of cochlear implants, and the rising number of people with hearing loss, the initial increase in rates of implantation appeared to have slowed, and the uptake rate remains low. Public health and hospital policy should be directed to improving public education, awareness, and referral and assessment pathways, especially for males.

SUMMARY • Cochlear implants provide economic and social benefits to recipients. • The number of devices implanted in Australia since 2000 has steadily increased but plateaued since 2016. • The uptake of cochlear implants by potentially eligible adults in Australia is estimated to be 10.5%. • The uptake by females is higher than by males, despite the latter having higher rates of hearing loss. • Greater public awareness of cochlear implants, and improved access to referral, assessment and surgical services are required.