Quality of life in hearing-impaired adults: the role of cochlear implants and hearing aids.

Abstract

To compare the quality-of-life (QOL) benefit received from cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids (HAs) among hearing-impaired adults. Health-related questionnaire. 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. 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). Cochlear implants provide at least comparable benefit for those with profound hearing loss as hearing aids bring for those with less severe hearing loss.