Evaluation of quality of life in postli̇ngual cochlear i̇mplant patients

Cochlear implant is one of the most important treatment options for adults with postlingual hearing loss and children with congenital hearing loss. The performance achieved from the implant has increased with the progress in recent years. In order to evaluate the success of cochlear implant, not only audiological factors but also psychosocial factors should be considered. It is important that patients' daily activities, social lives and self-esteems improve along with their hearing performances. Life quality is the subjective appraisal of one's position referring to his or her culture and value systems. The concept covers personal aims, interests, expectations and standarts. Physical condition, dependency, social relationships, and psychological state affect perceived quality of life1. Thus, the study aimed at investigating patients' satisfaction from the implant, perceived quality of life, and psychosocial state as well as the implant's auditory contribution. Thirty clinic patients who had had cochlear implant surgery participated in the study. Participants first completed a demographic information form. Then they were administered WOQOLbref short form, Beck Anxiey and Depression inventories, IO-IHA inventory in order to assess patients' quality of life, level of anxiety and depression, and satisfaction from the cochlear implant respectively. The data were gathered within the 2-year-follow-up period beginning from the second month after the surgery.Key Words: Postlingual, Cochlear İmplant, Quality of Life