Postponing Cochlear Implant Surgery Is Difficult but Necessary During the COVID-19 Crisis

During this unprecedented time, cochlear implant (CI) procedures, considered an elective surgery, are being put on hold — indefinitely in some states. CI and other otologic surgeries often provide significant clinical benefit to patients for whom these procedures are indicated. In an effort to preserve personal protective equipment and other critical resources, the hearing health community is weighing in on the difficult, albeit necessary, decision to postpone these procedures.

Erika Woodson, MD, Section Head, Otology-Neurotology and Medical Director of the Hearing Implant Program, and Sarah Sydlowski, AuD, PhD, Audiology Director, Hearing Implant Program, both of Cleveland Clinic’s Head & Neck Institute, discuss the necessity of suspending CI surgery during the COVID-19 crisis.

Their commentary was recently published in The Hearing Journal.