Assessment of speech perception and quality of life after cochlear implant in postlingual deaf adults

Abstract

Objective:The study is aimed to evaluate impacts of cochlear implantation on speech perception and quality of life in postlingual deaf adults, and to explore the correlation between speech perception and quality of life using Nijimegen Cochlear Implantation Questionnaire and Mandarin version of Minimum Speech Test Battery. Method:Thirty-six postlingual deafpatients were recruited, including 20 males and 16 females. Patient age was 20 to 72 years old（52±16） when CI was implanted, and the hearing loss duration was 2 to 25 years（14±6） before cochlear implantation. The single syllable recognition rate score were tested by using Mandarin version of Minimum Speech Test Battery, and the quantify quality of life was tested by using Nijimegen Cochlear Implantation Questionnaire. Result:Speech recognition and quality of life have significantly improved in patients with CI after cochlear implantiont. The scores of basic sound perception, advanced sound perception, speech ability, self-confidence, social activity ability, and social ability have improved, but the differences were not statistically significant. The Mandrin single-syllable recognition rate scores were related to basic sound perception（r=-0.36; P=0.004）, advanced sound perception（r=-0.41; P=0.002）, and speech ability（r=-0.67; P=0.001）, and the differences are statistically significant. Conclusion:The postlingual deafnesses ability of auditory, speech perception and the quality of life have improved significantly in patients with CI after cochlear implantiont.