Influence of cochlear implantation on quality of life of deaf persons

Abstract

Quality of life could not be simply defined because it depends on numerous criteria regarding dominantly individual goals and attitudes as well as economic, cultural, religious and educational factors. Each community, social group, nation or country have its own criteria for creating and realization of specific markers for individual quality of life. (Uzunović, R., Jakšić, B., 2007.) Quality of life in cochlear implantees is assessed by changes induced by surgery and functioning of cochlear implant in the same manner as in other individuals with permanent disability requiring aid or surgical procedure. (Haensel, Engelke, Ottenjann, & Westhofen, 2005). Objective of this study was the assessment of impact of cochlear implantation on quality of life of deaf persons. Cochlear implant is an electronic device that could help deaf persons to restore hearing. Auditory perception is the basis for speech and language development and subsequent education, social integration and development of overall communication skills. All of the above should improve the quality of life of deaf individuals. The study has encompassed 31 cochlear implanted persons of both genders (14 males, 17 females), aged 3 to 69 years, with average intelligence. They were enrolled in speech and hearing rehabilitation following cochlear implantation in rehabilitation facilities in Belgrade and Nis. Listening was improved in all of the subjects after cochlear implantation. Almost half of them (48%) have experienced improvement in reaction to sound within first three months after switch-on. Better speech detection and understanding, improved voice pitch and articulation were registered in 90% of subjects in the study or their caregivers. Considerable improvement of their own speech in the first 3 months after switch-on was observed by 39.5% of cochlear implantees in this study. Vast majority of subjects in this study (78,6%) have noticed improved communication with family members. Most of cochlear implantees in the study (90%) are completely satisfied by changes in communication, both at home and outside, All of them found cochlear implant worth recommending to others.

'Kvalitet života je pojam koji nije moguće jednoznačno definisati jer zavisi od mnogo kriterijuma, pri čemu individualni ciljevi i shvatanja, pored ekonomskih, kulturnih, religijskih i obrazovnih faktora, imaju dominantan uticaj. Svaka sredina ili društvena grupa, određena nacija ili zemlja, imaju i opšte prihvaćene kriterijume,koji predstavljaju uslov za kreiranje i realizaciju individualnih pokazatelja kvaliteta života pojedinca' (Uzunović, P., Jakšić, B., 2007) Kriterijum za procenu kod korisnika KI, kao u kod svih drugih koji imaju trajnu smetnju koja podrazumeva pomagalo ili hirišku proceduru, je kvalitet života na koje pomagalo utiče (Haensel, Engelke, Ottenjann, & Westhofen, 2005). Cilj rada je da ispitamo uticaj kohlearnog implanta na promene u kvalitetu života gluvih osoba. Kohlearni implant je pomagalo koje gluvim osobama obezbeđuje razvoj slušanja. To je osnova za razvoj govora, jezika, priprema je za proces edukacije, za socijalizaciju I razvoj ukupnih komunikacijskih sposobnosti. Tu parametri trebalo bi da omoguće promene u kvalitetu života gluvih osoba. Uzorak u ovom istraživanju čini 31 gluva osoba, 14 muškog i 17 ženskog pola, korisnika kohlearnog implanta, na uzrastu od 3 do 69 godina, prosečnih intelektualnih sposobnosti, koji su pa rehabilitaciji sluha i govora posle KI u Beogradu u Huuiy. Kohlearni implant je uticao na bolje slušanje kod svih ispitanika u ispitivanom uzorku; promene u reakciji pa zvuk kod 48% ispitanika posle 1 do 3 meseca; Bolja reakcija na govor, artikulacija, prirodnija boja glasa, bolje razumevanje govora - rezultat kod 90% ispitanog uzorka; promene u govoru kod 39.5% ispitanika posle 1 do 3 meseca; Na pitanje: 'da li sada lakše komunicira/te sa familijom', 22 ispitanika (78.6%) dalo je potvrdan odgovor; 90% ispitanika u potpunosti je zadovoljno je promenama do kojih je došlo u komunikaciji i životu u kući i van nje, posle kohlearne implantacije; svi ispitanici preporučili bi KI drugim osobama.