An outcomes study of cochlear implants in deaf patients. Audiologic, economic, and quality-of-life changes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate and quantitate the changes in economic, emotional, and health-related quality of life after cochlear implantation.


METHODS
Nine patients between the ages of 18 and 60 years who qualified for surgery.


METHODS
Patients underwent assessment using four socioeconomic indicator scales administered preoperatively, and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 30 months, and 3 years postoperatively. All patients continued to use their cochlear implants during the 3-year follow-up period.


RESULTS
Uniform and systematic improvement in quality of life and psychologic well-being, and a steady increase in mean personal income for the group that underwent implantation, supporting the contention that cochlear implantation is a beneficial surgical procedure for profoundly deaf patients.
Harris
J P
JP
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Anderson
J P
JP
Novak
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001302:Audiometry, Speech; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003638:Deafness / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life