Facebook as a resource for cochlear implant information: a thematic content analysis

To identify major themes of interest posted by users of the foremost Facebook cochlear implant (CI) support group, understand how these users engage in online support communities, and identify educational gaps in CI care.

We conducted a retrospective thematic content analysis approach rooted in framework analysis. 536 Facebook posts were gathered over a two-week period in July 2024 from the Cochlear Implant Experiences Facebook group. Posts were analyzed for author, tone, content, and engagement metrics. Posts were inductively coded into more specific themes and subthemes by two coders with any disagreements resolved by consensus discussion.

Majority of posts were authored by patients (81.6%), followed by unknown authors (11.8%), family members (6.2%), companies/vendors (0.2%), and providers (0.2%). The average number of reactions and comments was 22 and 20, respectively. Most posts had a neutral tone (49.6%), followed by a negative tone (28.3%), and positive tone (22.1%). Majority of posts were questions (69%), followed by experience-sharing (21%), and information-sharing posts (10%). Eight major themes were identified from the analysis.

Patients utilize this social media community for various reasons but overwhelmingly utilize it to ask questions related to management of the CI device and related equipment. These findings demonstrate trust among patients to gain information from each other and seek support, providing valuable information for providers and companies to fill educational gaps in CI care.