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Published on: June 21, 2024
Early activation in cochlear implantation: the patient's perspective
Allison Biever1, Grayson A Bishop1,2, Weston J Adkins2
1Rocky Mountain Ear Center, Englewood, CO, USA.
Insights
Early cochlear implant activation is preferred by patients, offering convenience and benefits like reduced travel and faster hearing. This approach is safe, effective, and recommended for broader consideration.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Early cochlear implant activation is recognized as safe and effective.
- Traditional activation protocols involve a waiting period post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient perspectives on early cochlear implant activation.
- To assess the benefits and drawbacks of activating cochlear implants within seven days of surgery.
Main Methods:
- A 6-item questionnaire was used, including quantitative (Likert-scale) and qualitative (open-ended) questions.
- The study included 30 adult and 3 pediatric participants undergoing cochlear implantation.
Main Results:
- 100% of participants found next-day activation convenient, with 94% preferring it over the traditional two-week wait.
- Key benefits reported include reduced travel burden, earlier access to sound, and positive psychological impact.
- 97% of participants would recommend early activation to others.
Conclusions:
- Adult and pediatric patients benefit from and prefer early cochlear implant activation.
- Early activation offers significant advantages, including logistical and psychological benefits.
- The findings support wider adoption of early activation, individualized to patient needs.
Objectives:
Early cochlear implant activation has been established as safe and effective. The purpose of this study is to assess the patient's perspective on their early activation experience.
Methods:
A custom, 6-item questionnaire was administered to both adults and parents of pediatric patients who were activated within seven days of their surgery as part of their standard cochlear implant care. The questionnaire included four quantitative, Likert-style and two qualitative, open-ended questions about their activation experience.
Results:
The study included 30 adult and three pediatric participants. Quantitative results showed that all participants (100%) found next-day activation convenient, with 94% preferring it over the traditional two-week wait. Most (79%) were surprised by the possibility of early activation, and nearly all (97%) would recommend it to others. Parents of pediatric patients echoed these sentiments, with all finding next-day activation convenient and preferable. Qualitative analysis revealed six themes: reduced travel burden, benefit of hearing sooner, general positive comments, recovery, support, and positive psychological impact. Suggested improvements are detailed.
Conclusion:
This study establishes that adult and pediatric patients who underwent early activation demonstrate benefit from and preference for early activation. Patients benefitted from reduced travel burden, earlier access to hearing in the implanted ear, and positive psychological impacts, pointing to the need to consider broad application of early activation, tailored to individual patient preferences and circumstances.
