Review of NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance No.166; Cochlear implants for children and adults with severe to profound deafness

Proposal to update to one of the recommendations (part review)

TA166 was added to the static list of technology appraisals in June 2011. Topics on the static list can be considered for review if new evidence comes to light that is likely to lead to a change in the existing recommendations.

The new evidence for the technology, and the changes to the prices of the technology, are not likely to affect the recommendations in section 1.1 to 1.4 of TA166. However, the evidence suggests that the eligibility criteria in section 1.5 of TA166 no longer reflects clinical practice and should be updated.

We propose that recommendation 1.5 should be updated. As the eligibility criteria in recommendation 1.5 is not linked to the recommendations in 1.1 to 1.4, we propose that the update can be made without the need for a Multiple Technology Appraisal (MTA). Instead, the update of recommendation 1.5 would take place via consultation with relevant stakeholders.

More information on this approach can be found in the proposal paper presented to the Institute’s Guidance Executive (Appendix B). 

In order to be completely confident that this is appropriate, we are asking all relevant consultees and commentators, to inform us of any evidence which will help us decide the best way to update this guidance.

Please see appendix A for a full list of the organisations we have contacted.