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. 2004 Feb;33(1):26-31.
doi: 10.2310/7070.2004.01074.

Benefits of cochlear implantation in early-deafened adults: the Toronto experience

Gerard H Chee  1 , Jennifer E Goldring, David B Shipp, Amy H C Ng, Joseph M Chen, Julian M Nedzelski
Affiliations

Benefits of cochlear implantation in early-deafened adults: the Toronto experience

Gerard H Chee et al. J Otolaryngol. 2004 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To present the results of a survey administered to a group of early-deafened cochlear implants adults and to report the level of perceived benefit.

Design: Prospective.

Setting: Large tertiary referral centre.

Method: A 47-item questionnaire designed to evaluate cochlear implant use and benefit was sent to 42 early-deafened adult cochlear implant users. The questionnaire can be divided into seven subcategories: time of use, associated symptoms, communication, employment status and function, socialization, perceived benefit, and the impact on quality of life. Responses from 30 patients were received.

Results: The majority of our patients use their cochlear implant all of their waking hours. The majority of patients continue to depend on lip-reading and hearing as their main mode of communication, although they reported improved lip-reading skills with their cochlear implant. Twenty-three patients (76.7%) were employed. Eleven patients had a change in employment subsequent to cochlear implantation, nine (81.8%) of whom attributed this to their cochlear implant. Our patients als reported greater independence, a greater sense of safety in their environment, and an improved social life. Twenty-nine patients (96.7%) said that they were satisfied with their implant, 28 (93.3%) said that they would go through the same process again, and 27 (90%) said that they would recommend it to a friend in a similar situation. Twenty-nine patients (96.7%) stated that the cochlear implant has had a positive effect on their quality of life. Family and peer support, prior auditory-verbal therapy, and a positive attitude were the most commonly cited factors in successful cochlear implant use.

Conclusions: Early-deafened adult cochlear implant users perceive significant benefit from cochlear implantation. Importantly, family and peer support, prior auditory-verbal therapy, and a positive attitude are considered important factors in maximizing this benefit.

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