This study aim to establish unified clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for adults and pediatric cochlear implantation (CI) for the Ministry of Health specialist hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive literature review was carried out by a task force group. Guidelines were based on evidence-based medicine including institutions and individuals' experiences. Bilateral CI is recommended for adults and pediatrics with bilateral severe/profound hearing loss. The minimum age of implantation for children is recommended at 9 months. This study provides a safe framework for the multidisciplinary team to select appropriate CI candidates. It is important to establish a comprehensive multidisciplinary team covering different aspects of health care providers.
Keywords: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; cochlear implant; guideline; hearing loss; single sided deafness.
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