The minimum sentence-level speech perception score (in quiet) typically required for cochlear implant candidacy in post-lingually deafened adults under current guidelines is:
- A Less than 30% in the best-aided condition
- B Less than 50% on HINT sentences in the best-aided condition
- C Less than 70% on open-set sentences in the best-aided condition ✓
- D Less than 10% pure-tone average
Correct answer: C. Less than 70% on open-set sentences in the best-aided condition
Explanation
Current FDA-approved and most international guidelines for cochlear implantation in post-lingually deafened adults require sentence recognition below 50–60% in the best-aided condition; however, many centres in India use the criterion of less than 70% open-set sentence recognition, reflecting broader access criteria. The audiometric criterion is profound loss (PTA >70–90 dB HL), not a 10% PTA threshold. Options A and B are too stringent for current guidelines.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.