Short summary

This observational study with a follow up design investigates the measurement of Quality of Life using the Cochlear Implant Quality of Life instrument in patients post cochlear implant surgery. The instruments used is the CIQOL-35 which comprises of 6 Quality of Life domains and is furthermore divided into 35 items. The CIQOL-35 still lacks its validation and has not been translated into Danish.

Rationale

Studies have shown that cochlear implant not only helps improve the complications among people with hearing disabilities but also tends to their quality of life positively. The relevance of this study is embedded in unraveling the relation between the Quality of Life for patients using cochlear implants for a year and those waitlisted to receive a cochlear implant. The project includes a test-retest to validate the reliability, precision and the temporal stability of the instrument. Simultaneously to compare the results of the instrument on a inernational scale, calculation of the Cronbach Alpha coefficients were a necessity to evaluate the internal consistency.

Description of the cohort

The patient group aimed to be included in this study are adults with hearing disabilities that have been using cochlear implants for the duration of one year and those who are still waitlisted to receive an implant.

Data and biological material

A questionnaire is used to collect data regarding the subjective Quality of Life in patients with hearing disabilities.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Oto-Rhino-Laryngo/Hearing Clinic, Odense Univsersity Hospital

• Overlæge Jesper Hvass Schmidt