Cochlear implantation and change in quality of life

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the benefits of cochlear implantation (CI) in adults and to evaluate the average implant usage per day. Ten profoundly deaf adults were implanted during the period April 1994 to September 1997. The patients answered questionnaires 1 year or more after receiving their cochlear implants. All of the patients used their implant daily. The average implant usage per day was 16 h. The patients stated that, given the choice, they would again opt for a cochlear implant and would recommend a cochlear implant for a deaf friend. A paired comparison showed that the implants led to significant improvements in a number of factors: self-perceived communication skills, frequency of conversation with others, telephone usage, self-confidence and the impact of hearing impairments on family life. CI dramatically changed the quality of life for all patients. No surgical complications were observed.