A Guide for Adult Cochlear Implantation Practice: A Consensus Paper of the Saudi Otorhinolaryngology Society

Aim: Adult cochlear implant candidates are a large proportion of the total candidates. The aim of this study is to develop an evidence-based guide regarding adult cochlear implantation in Saudi Arabia that is supported by the consensus agreement of the experts in the field. Methodology: In this study, a task force of experts was involved to determine the important aspects of cochlear implantation practice in adults. The task force discussion guided a literature review, which resulted in drafting the provisional statements. A modified Delphi method was then utilized to determine the agreement level for these statements within the SORL Society cochlear implant practitioners, including audiologists and otologists. Results: This study started with fifteen preliminary statements that, after core committee meetings and one round of voting, resulted in the formulating 20 final statements. The final statements reached an average of 95.9% agreement level (±4.6%). Two statements did not reach consensus with agreement levels of 77% and 70%. Conclusion: This consensus paper presents the most agreed-upon practice for adult cochlear implantation in adults in Saudi Arabia. The high agreement levels among cochlear implant practitioners reflect a strong endorsement of the formulated statements, underscoring their relevance and applicability in real-world settings. This guide will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians, aiming to standardize practices and improve outcomes for adult cochlear implant candidates. Future efforts should focus on the integration of emerging evidence to adapt this guide to the practice of cochlear implantation.