Quality of Life in Hearing-Impaired Adults: The Role of Cochlear Implants and Hearing Aids

Abstract

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.