Comparison of the quality-of-life benefit received from cochlear implants and hearing aids among hearing-impaired adults

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>To compare the quality-of-life (QOL) benefit received from cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids (HAs) among hearing-impaired adults. Using Case Control Study design, health-related questionnaire based on indices for audiological data and quality of life (QOL) was prepared. The questionnaire was used to compare the satisfaction level of users of Cochlear Implants with that of Hearing aids.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective and prospective data pandemic from December 2019 to May 2021 was collected. Twenty- five cases of adult Cochlear Implant users were compared against equal number of age-matched control cases of users Hearing aids. Questionnaire to assess the influence of either on quality of life was mailed to the receipients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>Scores for the Hearing aids group matched very well with the scores for the Cochlear Implant group. Overall QoL scores were extensively higher for all 6 subdomains. \Multiple evaluation of variance showed greater QOL benefit in CI than HA users across the physical, psychological, and social subdomains (p<0.001).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cochlear implants provide extensive benefit for those with profound hearing loss as hearing aids bring for those with less severe hearing loss.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>