From hearing aids to cochlear implants: The journey for private patients in New Zealand

To understand adults' journey from hearing aids to cochlear implants (CIs).

Qualitative, exploratory design using semi-structured interviews with twelve postlingually-deafened adults.

All participants reported social isolation and/or depression. 'Not hearing well enough' was the most-common motivator to seek a CI. Due to the long wait for a public CI, they opted to pay for their implant privately. Funding was the most prominent barrier identified, with most participants using their own savings. The biggest struggle was in the period 3-months post switch-on. Many participants felt progress was slow and that they should have been doing better. After this period, benefits were most noted in quiet, with environmental sounds, and in helping them become more sociable. Music and telephone use were still areas many struggled with.

Participants reported the CI was worth the cost, that they would recommend it to others, and would do it again. Self-motivation was the biggest facilitator to success, with hearing professionals playing an integral role throughout the entire journey. There was a large variety of subthemes reflecting the diversity and individuality of the transition.