198 Overcoming Developing-World Challenges in Cochlear Implantation: A Nigerian Perspective

Abstract Introduction The emergence of cochlear implantation (CI) in the mid-20th century was a transformation to the field of restorative otology. The advance in this field has not been felt in lower-income countries where a huge burden of profound hearing loss lies. We sought to review the literature on the practice of cochlea implantation in Nigeria. Method Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews, we conducted a study of the literature on CI in Nigeria. All observational studies with information on cochlear implants and/or implantation in Nigeria were included with no limitations on outcomes. We extracted the following data: age, sample size, sex, aetiology, outcome, type of devices, complications, challenges, and the location of the surgery. The results were pooled and reported as frequencies and percentages. Three studies were utilised in this review. Results The study included 25 patients. The age of the identified patients ranged from 1.2 months to 63 years. There were slightly more males than females (52% males). The most common aetiology of deafness in the participants was following a febrile illness (40%), followed by deafness post-meningitis (24%). The challenges identified included high cost, lack of full rehabilitative facilities and staff, scepticism, and lack of funding. Conclusions CI remains the most effective for those who are profoundly deaf. Although successful CI programmes exist in Nigeria, the number of implant programmes and the affordability are not yet commensurate to the needs of the entire Nigerian population.