Reported benefits and shortcomings of cochlear implantation by patients and their significant others

Ninety four consecutive adults who had been fitted with cochlear implants for at least six months were sent open-ended questionnaires asking them to list the benefits and shortcomings they experienced as a result of their implants. Partners of the patients were asked to complete similar questionnaires. A wide range of benefits was reported, predominantly acoustical and psychosocial. Most of the shortcomings were acoustical and practical. Significant others reported fewer benefits and fewer shortcomings than the patients. However, the overall pattern of responses was similar. More acoustical and psychosocial benefits were reported by those fitted with cochlear implants than by those with hearing aids or bone-anchored hearing aids.