Readability of Cochlear Implant Brochures: A Potential Factor in Parent Decision Making

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the ease of reading cochlear implant (CI) brochures provided to parents and caregivers who are making informed decisions about the management of their child's hearing loss. Method: CI brochures from three Food and Drug Administration–approved CI manufacturers were examined: Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Americas, and MED-EL. Reading grade levels and ease of reading were analyzed using a commercially available computer software program, applying six readability formulas commonly used to examine hearing-related patient education materials (PEMs). Results: The readability of the CI brochures exceeds the fifth- to sixth-grade reading-level guidelines. The CI brochures may be difficult for the average English-speaking adult to read with ease and requires at least a 10th-grade comparable reading level. Conclusions: Despite health literacy initiatives, audiology-focused PEMs continue to be created without full consideration of the burden for the reader. Authors of PEMs should consider the average reading level of the reader as a variable potentially influencing the decision-making process. Likewise, clinicians should consider the average reading level needed to understand PEMs when presenting information and resources to parents and caregivers for informed and shared decision making.