The acceptability of cochlear implants and vibrotactile aids

To obtain data on the likely acceptability of cochlear implants (and of vibrotactile aids), a questionnaire was sent to profoundly/totally hearing-impaired patients. The patients were asked how they felt about their current communication problems and possible benefits to be obtained from such devices. Of the 153 replies obtained, the combined 'yes' or 'maybe' responses indicated that 58% would accept an implant. The corresponding figure for vibrotactile aids was 73%. The statistically significant factors correlating with cochlear implant acceptance were the patient's expectation of the benefit it would give, the time needed for rehabilitation and the degree of communication difficulty that they suffer. The only significant factor in acceptance of a vibrotactile aid was whether the patient had attended the IHR clinic. This implies that the underlying factor is the patient's knowledge about these devices.