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Table 1 Summary of studies that examined the impact of cochlear implantation on cognition in older adults

From: The impact of cochlear implantation on cognition in older adults: a systematic review of clinical evidence

Study

N

Age range

Cochlear implant

Pre-implant cognitive measures

Cognitive outcome measures

Outcome

Vega (1977) [24]

13

23-67 years

Single-electrode

None

No tests depended on auditory functioning. Duration of implant use not reported. Used sub-tests of Halsted-Reitan neuropsychological test battery (spatial & symbolic abilities, visual temporal acuity, speed of response, attention and test motivation, and intellectual and conceptual functioning), Continuous reaction time test, Purdue pegboard, Trails test, Weschler-Bellvue Form II test

Average scores were within range of general population. 11 CI recipients with normal to superior cognitive functioining; 2 CI recipients with impaired cognitive and conceptual functioning

Crary, Wexler, Berliner, & Miller (1982) [25]

46

19-75 years

Single-electrode

WAIS; MFD; Trlmk; BNDR; BIP

Same as pre-implant measures. Tested one-year post-CI (n = 23) and at two years or more post-CI (n = 16).

As a group, scores in low range of normal intelligence and results stable over time. Process of CI candidacy screened out individuals with cognitive/psychological disorder.

Aplin (1993) [26]

 

14-80 years

Nucleus 22-channel

WAIS-R or WISC-R

Details not reported.

No adverse effects reported. Described following subjects at intervals post-implant to monitor for improvements in functioning; however, methods and results not reported.

  1. Note. CI = Cochlear implant; WAIS = Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale; MFD = Graham-Kendall Memory for Designs; Trlmk = Trail Making Test; BNDR = Bender Visual Motor Gestalt; BIP = Bender Visual Motor Interference; WAIS-R = Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- Revised; WISC-R = Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.