A pilot study to explore the experiences of congenitally or early profoundly deafened candidates who receive cochlear implants as adults. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jeffs, E.; Redfern, K.; Stanfield, C.; Starczewski, H.; Stone, S.; Twomey, T.; Fortnum, H.
• Is Part Of: Cochlear implants international. Volume 16:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 312
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Cochlear implant -- Congenitally deafened -- Adults -- Benefit -- Qualitative; Cochlear implants -- Periodicals; 617.882
• DOI: 10.1179/1754762815Y.0000000011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-0100

Abstract

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.