Evaluation of self-esteem in hearing aid and cochlear implant users

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jun;280(6):2735-2740. doi: 10.1007/s00405-022-07773-1. Epub 2022 Dec 13.

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the relationship between hearing aid or cochlear implant use and self-esteem, quality of life, hearing quality, and speech perception.

Methods: Of the 120 participants studied, 29 were cochlear implant users, 26 were hearing aid users, 33 were non-device users with hearing loss, and 32 had normal hearing. Each individual included in the study WHOQOL-BREF Quality-of-Life Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem and Speech, Spatial Perception and Qualities of Hearing Scale was applied.

Results: We found that the self-esteem level of the group with hearing loss, but without a device, was significantly lower than that of the group with a cochlear implant/hearing aid. There was a moderately statistically significant relationship between self-esteem, quality of life, speech perception, and hearing quality.

Conclusions: Using hearing aid and cochlear implants increases self-esteem among people with hearing impairments. Self-esteem is associated with quality of life, speech perception, and hearing quality.

Keywords: Cochlear implant; Hearing aid; Hearing loss; Quality of life; Self-esteem.

MeSH terms

  • Cochlear Implantation*
  • Cochlear Implants*
  • Deafness*
  • Hearing Aids*
  • Hearing Loss* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Speech Perception*