Does Cochlear Implantation Affect Openness-to-Experience in Profound Postlingual Hearing Loss?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Audiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Previous research indicates a potential link between hearing loss and reduced Openness to experience.
• This study explores the impact of cochlear implantation on personality traits in adults with postlingual deafness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if cochlear implantation influences the personality factor Openness to experience in postlingually deafened adults.
• To assess changes in all five personality factors (Extraversion, Openness to experience, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness) following cochlear implantation.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-five postlingually deafened adults (mean age 63) completed the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness-Five-Factor-Inventory (NEO-FFI).
• Personality assessments were conducted before cochlear implantation and 24 months after implant activation.
• Scores were compared to population norms and analyzed for changes over time.

Main Results:

• Participants scored significantly lower on Openness to experience before implantation, and this remained unchanged 24 months post-implantation.
• Scores for Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were consistent with population norms both pre- and post-implantation.
• Cochlear implantation showed no significant effect on any measured personality factor after two years.

Conclusions:

• Openness to experience may be characteristically lower in certain populations with hearing loss.
• Cochlear implantation does not appear to alter personality factors, including Openness to experience, in postlingually deafened adults within two years of use.