The body image in hearing aid and cochlear implant users in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the relationship between hearing aid or cochlear implants usage and body image, and quality of life.

Methods: Of the 96 participants studied, 26 were cochlear implant users, 20 hearing aid users, 20 non-device users with hearing loss, and 30 normal hearing. The inclusion criteria for the study for all groups were subjects 18 years or older with no other physical complaints. The average age of groups and gender distributions were similar. The Body Image Scale (BIS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale were applied to all participants, whereas the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids, Turkish Version, was applied only to device users.

Results: A significant difference in body image scores was identified between non device users with hearing loss group and normal hearing group, device users group (HA/CI), and cochlear implant users group. In contrast, no significant difference in body image scores between normal hearing group and the device users group was identified. Finally, a positive correlation between body image scores and quality of life scores in all groups was identified.

Conclusions: Non-device users with hearing loss have a lower body image and quality of life than those in the other groups, and device usage has a positive effect on body image and quality of life.

Keywords: Body image; Cochlear implant; Hearing aid; Hearing loss; Quality of life.