The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rehabilitation services provided for cochlear implant recipients in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cochlear implantation (CI) recipients in Saudi Arabia. The impact was measured using the results of an online survey that investigated challenges related to access to re/habilitation and programming services, increased dependence on virtual interaction, and emotional impact. Methods The cross-sectional online survey reached 353 pediatric and adult CI recipients between April 21st and May 3rd 2020, during the first weeks of implementing the lockdown strategy and the transitioning to virtual settings. Results It was revealed that overall access to aural re/habilitation was considerably affected during the pandemic, and that the impact of this disruption was significantly greater for pediatric recipients than for adults. On the other hand, overall access to programming services was not affected. Results also revealed that CI recipients' performance at school or work was negatively impacted by the transition to a virtual communication. In addition, participants noticed a decline in their auditory performance, language skills, and speech understanding. They also registered feelings of anxiety, social isolation, and fear related to sudden changes in their CI function. Finally, the study revealed a gap between CI clinical/non-clinical support provided during the pandemic and the expectations of CI recipients. Conclusion Collectively, outcomes from this study highlight the importance of shifting towards a more patient -centered model that offers empowerment and self-advocacy. In addition, the outcomes also emphasize the importance of developing and adapting emergency protocols. This will ensure continuation of services provided to CI recipients during scenario disasters like a pandemic. Key messages Pediatric aural re/habilitation was subjected to a significantly greater interruption, compared to adult aural re/habilitation, duringthe COVID-19 shutdown. Cochlear Implant (CI) recipients expressed feelings of anxiety, social isolation, and fear. These feelings were related to sudden changes in their CI functioning, caused by interruption of support services during the pandemic. Patient -centered model can offer emergency protocols that ensure a smooth continuation of cochlear implant-related re/habilitation and services during disaster scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic.