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Cost Utility of the Multichannel Cochlear Implant in 258 Profoundly Deaf Individuals
Author(s) -
Wyatt J. Robert,
Niparko John K.,
Rothman Margaret,
deLissovoy Gregory
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199607000-00006
Subject(s) - cochlear implant , audiology , cochlear implantation , implant , medicine , psychology , surgery
Cost utility analysis is a method of cost‐effectiveness analysis which provides results in terms of cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY). Cost utility for the multichannel cochlear implant was calculated using Ontario Health Utilities Index data from 229 Nucleus 22‐channel implant users and 32 cochlear implant candidates awaiting surgery. The health utility of the implanted group was greater than that of the candidate group by 0.204 ( P <.0001). Use of this figure in a cost utility calculation indicates that cochlear implantation costs approximately$15,928 per QALY provided. Sensitivity analysis, a technique which systematically varies the assumptions underlying the calculations, suggests a range for the true value of between $12,000 and $30,000. This compares very favorably with other medical interventions. It is concluded that profound hearing loss has a significant effect on quality of life, and measurement of the changes that result from cochlear implant use indicates that this technology provides significant improvements and is quite cost‐effective. Laryngoscope, 106:816‐821, 1996