Readability of Cochlear Implant Brochures: A Potential Factor in Parent Decision Making

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Health Literacy
• Patient Education

Background:

• Effective communication is vital for parents making decisions about pediatric hearing loss.
• Patient education materials (PEMs) are key resources for informed decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the readability and ease of understanding of cochlear implant (CI) brochures.
• To evaluate if CI brochures meet recommended health literacy standards for parents and caregivers.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of CI brochures from three major FDA-approved manufacturers.
• Application of six readability formulas to determine reading grade levels.

Main Results:

• CI brochures readability exceeds recommended 5th-6th grade levels.
• An average 10th-grade reading level is required to understand CI brochures.
• Materials may pose a challenge for average English-speaking adults.

Conclusions:

• Current audiology PEMs may not adequately consider reader comprehension.
• Authors and clinicians should prioritize accessible language in CI materials.
• Improving readability supports informed decision-making for pediatric hearing loss management.