Cochlear Implants: An Overview.

Importance: Hearing loss poses a significant health burden to the Missouri population and broader United States (US). Cochlear implantation is the most effective intervention for patients with sensorineural hearing loss who do not find adequate benefit from hearing aids. Objective: This review provides an overview on cochlear implantation including its history, mechanisms, candidacy criteria, outcomes, and continued challenges in access and utilization. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles using relevant keywords pertaining to cochlear implantation. Findings: Cochlear implantation has evolved significantly over the past six decades, and advancements continue to be made. Extensive research has supported cochlear implantation as a highly effective intervention in both adults and children, and its indications and candidacy criteria continue to expand. However, cochlear implantation is underutilized, driven by a combination of socioeconomic, individual, and health systems related factors.