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.


METHODS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear implants provide at least comparable benefit for those with profound hearing loss as hearing aids bring for those with less severe hearing loss.
Cohen
Seth M
SM
Department of Otolarygology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Information Technology Services, Nashville, TN, USA.
Labadie
Robert F
RF
Dietrich
Mary S
MS
Haynes
David S
DS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires