An Outcomes Study of Cochlear Implants in Deaf Patients. Audiologic, Economic, and Quality-of-life Changes

Objectives: To investigate and quantitate the changes in economic, emotional, and health-related quality of life after cochlear implantation.

Subjects: 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.