Current Estimates of Cochlear Implant Utilization in the United States

Abstract

Objective:To present key data from a private marketing report that characterizes U.S. cochlear implant (CI) utilization, potential CI candidate and recipient population sizes, and CI market growth.Patients:Individuals who may benefit from CI and CI recipients in the United States.Interventions:Cochlear implantation.Main outcome measures:CI utilization, potential CI candidate and recipient population sizes, and CI market size and value.Results:As of 2015, a cumulative 170,252 people (240,056 devices) had undergone cochlear implantation in the United States. In the year 2015, approximately 30% of devices were implanted in bilateral CI patients, through simultaneous or sequential implantation. When considering traditional audiometric CI candidacy criteria (patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in the better hearing ear), utilization rates among the population who may benefit from CI approximated 12.7%. When considering expanded criteria including individuals with single-sided deafness or asymmetrical hearing loss (severe to profound hearing loss in the worse hearing ear), utilization rates approximated 2.1%. In 2015, there was a net increase of 20,093 individuals who may have benefited from CI who had not undergone CI, adding to the group of about 1.3 M untreated audiometric CI candidates who existed prior to that year. The CI market was valued at $450.8 M in 2015, with an average device selling price of $25,701 per device.Conclusions:CI utilization rates remain low among individuals who meet audiometric criteria for CI. Although the annual proportion of CI recipients to new audiometric candidates has increased, the total population of untreated audiometric CI candidates continues to rise.

Cochlear Implant Awareness in the United States: A National Survey of 15,138 Adults

“… 7 Unfortunately, research shows that cochlear implants are widely underutilized globally, with estimates from the United States suggesting that less than 10% of those with qualifying hearing loss have received cochlear implants to date. 10 Multiple factors have been identified as contributory in the underutilization of cochlear implants, with questions surrounding patient awareness comprising a major concern. 11 12 For this reason, a national survey of 15,138 adults balanced to the 2018 U.S. census, composed of respondents with and without hearing loss, were queried about their knowledge surrounding cochlear implants as a part of the larger MarkeTrak survey in the current study.…”

“… 8 9 To this end, substantial concern exists over the widespread underutilization of cochlear implants globally, with estimates from the United States suggesting that less than 10% of qualifying patients have received implants to date. 10 …”

Catchment Profile of Large Cochlear Implant Centers in the United States

“…1,2 Specifically, estimates of cochlear implant (CI) utilization among adults deemed to be audiologic candidates range from 2% to 13%, depending on the definition of audiologic candidacy. 2-7 Prior work assessing barriers to care in this patient population has demonstrated considerable differences in access to care and utilization of hearing health resources across geographic regions. 8 Greater geographic distance from a CI center has been linked to delayed implantation, 9 reduced access to health care resources, 10 and inconvenience for patients.…”

“…Despite growing attention to the health and socioeconomic ramifications of untreated and undertreated hearing loss, hearing rehabilitation remains persistently low in the United States 1,2 . Specifically, estimates of cochlear implant (CI) utilization among adults deemed to be audiologic candidates range from 2% to 13%, depending on the definition of audiologic candidacy 2‐7 . Prior work assessing barriers to care in this patient population has demonstrated considerable differences in access to care and utilization of hearing health resources across geographic regions 8 .…”

Hearing Health Perceptions and Literacy Among Primary Healthcare Providers in the United States: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Despite compelling evidence suggesting that hearing loss is a significant health condition requiring early identification and intervention, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Estimates suggest that 21% of individuals who are candidates for hearing aids use them (11); 2.1 to 12.7% of candidates for cochlear implants have one, with a range depending on whether conservative or more inclusive candidacy criteria (e.g., single-sided deafness) are applied (12). Furthermore, it is impossible to estimate how many of those who are using these devices are potentially inadequately treated.…”