A pilot study to explore the experiences of congenitally or early profoundly deafened candidates who receive cochlear implants as adults

Abstract

Objectives

To explore the experiences of congenitally or early profoundly deafened candidates who receive cochlear implants as adults.

Methods

Eight congenitally or early profoundly deafened implantees who had received their implants as adults were interviewed using a semi-structured interview technique. Interviews were conducted in the participant's preferred communication mode (oral/aural, Sign Supported English, or British Sign Language).

Results

All participants reported benefit from implantation. Areas of benefit identified correspond with results from similar studies conducted with post-lingually deafened adult implantees.

Discussion

Congenitally or early profoundly deafened adults implanted as adults report benefit from cochlear implantation in the following areas: identity, hearing the world, and emotional wellbeing. They also commented on their motivation for wanting an implant and the advice they would give to others considering implantation.

Keywords:

• Cochlear implant
• Congenitally deafened
• Adults
• Benefit
• Qualitative