Did our cochlear implant program make any difference in the lives of our patients? Achievements of 30 patients with long term follow-up averaging 20 years after cochlear implantation

Abstract

Background

Cochlear implants are standard of care for the patients with sensorineural hearing loss not benefited from hearing aids

Aims

Evaluate qualitatively the impact of cochlear implantation in the long-term.

Materials-methods

Thirty middle-class patients with similar patterns of loss and social environment averaging 20 years post-implantation responded to 52 questions that evaluated psychosocial benefits from cochlear implantation.

Results

All completed secondary education and 93% had postgraduate studies. Educational and workwise they are at the same level as their hearing counterparts. All use their cochlear implants and would recommend one to people who need it. They attribute their success to the implant, the rehabilitation program, their family, and a stimulating social environment. Despite their success, most experience difficulties relating with others (socially and at work) due to their hearing condition. They manage but work much harder than their hearing peers to achieve the same.

Conclusions

We made a difference in the lives of these patients, however, there is more to be done.

Significance

Early intervention, rehabilitation, plus family, and stimulating-environment are crucial in children with sensory deficits.

Chinese Abstract

背景: 人工耳蜗是带助听器没有效果的感音神经性听力损失患者的标准治疗方法。

目的: 定性评估人工耳蜗植入的长期影响。

材料和方法: 三十名具有相似听力丧失模式和社会环境的中产阶级患者, 回答了 52 个评估人工耳蜗植入导致的社会心理益处的问题。他们的植入后平均时间为20 年。

结果: 所有人都完成了中等教育, 93% 的人完成了研究生学习。 在教育和工作方面, 他们与听力正常的同行处于同一水平。 他们所有人都使用人工耳蜗, 并会向有需要的人推荐。 他们将他们的成功归功于植入康复计划、他们的家庭和激发性的社会环境。 尽管他们取得了成功, 但大多数人由于其听力状况而与他人交往(社交和工作)时会遇到困难。 他们尽量应对, 但比听力正常的同龄人要付出更多的努力才能实现同样的目标。

结论: 我们改变了这些患者的生活, 但是, 还有更多工作亟待去做。

意义: 早期干预、康复, 加上家庭和激发性环境对于有感官缺陷的儿童非常重要。

Keywords:

• Cochlear implants
• satisfaction
• self-esteem
• long term results
• wellness
• autonomy
• qualitative results

Acknowledgements

Our special thanks to our Librarian Luz Navarrete, for her efforts and success in performing extensive literature searches and obtaining reference articles.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).