Infections Uncommon with Cochlear Implants, but Kids May Warrant Increased Vigilance

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

Infections are relatively rare among recipients of cochlear implants, but rates are higher among young children, according to a JAMA research letter.

Researchers collected data on roughly 2000 children and 5500 adults in five states who received cochlear implants. Among the findings:

• During a median 4 years' follow-up, adults had an infectious complication rate of 5.2 per 1000 person-years.

• During a median follow-up of roughly 5 years, children had 8.2 infectious complications per 1000 person-years.

• Children aged 1 and 2 had about 15 infectious complications per 1000 person-years.

• Meningitis was "exceedingly rare."

• In children, 55% of infectious complications occurred within 180 days of implantation.

The authors write: "Increased vigilance by physicians is warranted when caring for young children early after implantation and children with prior implant infections."