A global survey of deaf and hard of hearing adults has found very high satisfaction rates with cochlear implants (CI).
In partnership with Toronto’s York University, the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA) surveyed 1076 people, ranging in age from 18 to 91, in 40 countries. Of those, 96% expressed satisfaction with their implants. “Going back to listening is priceless,” said one user. “My life has been completely changed for the better”.
But according to CIICA, the results also show that lifelong communication requires lifelong services. The survey revealed users often struggled to get rehabilitation. It found 27% had received no rehabilitation support and 32% felt they did not have enough. As another respondent said: “I taught myself everything.”
Ongoing funding was a major issue: 54% had to pay for important accessories and 11% had no spares at all. A further 36% had to pay for repairs themselves. These people were reliant on their CI for everyday communication. “I need services so that my CI will work and be supported right up to the day I die,” said one.
The report recommends:
- Rehabilitation to be available as part of the core provision of implant services
- Quick and ready access to technology support when required, including spare parts
- Person-centred services, with access to appropriate peer group support and counselling services
- Funding to ensure access to CI services lifelong
“Access to CI must include access to lifelong services,” said Sue Archbold, Coordinator of CIICA. “CI services matter.”
A CI user summed up the impact of her implants: “No implant: no sound, no family life, no friends, no job (I am a nurse), no birds, no cat’s purr, no wind in my ears, no sound of waves, no children’s laughter…. Implants = life.”
