Cochlear implant outcomes in early deafened adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Outcomes from cochlear implantation in born deaf/early deafened adults: a feasibility study
IRAS ID
181508
Contact name
Huw Cooper
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Birmingham R+D Office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of what differences a cochlear implant (implantable hearing aid) makes to an adult who has had long term deafness (be it born deaf or early deafened). These differences may be positive, negative or indifferent. Research in adults who have been deafened later in life and then implanted shows significant benefit. However, research for early deafened adults is minimal. The impression from people who work with these patients is that there is overall benefit to be gained by implanting them and they are therefore currently funded and approved by NICE. The research is designed to explore which areas of their life and well-being the implant has affected by way of conducting focus groups. These will be small group discussions (3-4 adults) conducted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Individual interviews will also be conducted at the same site to explore patients' views on the questionnaires that we currently use for implant patients and whether they think they are fit for purpose. All such implanted patients will be invited to join these discussions/interviews, whether they wear their implant or not. These will take place over a morning or afternoon session. The information gained will be useful in advising future patients in this group on what differences an implant can offer and also whether implanting them is still appropriate.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
15/NI/0200
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion