Quality of life in hearing-impaired adults: the role of cochlear implants and hearing aids.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality-of-life (QOL) benefit received from cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids (HAs) among hearing-impaired adults. STUDY DESIGN: Health-related questionnaire. METHODS: Twenty-seven CI users compared to control group of 54 HA users, both older than 49. Questionnaires for the pre-rehab state (without HA or CI use) and post-rehab state (after HA or CI for 12 months) were mailed 2 weeks apart. RESULTS: Twenty-six (96.3%) CI and 30 (55.6%) HA users responded (P < 0.001, chi-square). Compared to HA patients, CI users showed twice as much overall QOL improvement (P = 0.082, multiple linear regression) as HA users. Multivariate analysis of variance showed greater QOL benefit in CI than HA users across the physical, psychological, and social subdomains (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Cochlear implants provide at least comparable benefit for those with profound hearing loss as hearing aids bring for those with less severe hearing loss.

Duke Scholars

Author Seth Morris Cohen Laryngology