Perceptions of Cochlear Implants by Adults with Hearing Loss

We are interested in hearing from you if you have a significant hearing loss and either considered, or received, at least one cochlear implant after the age of 21.

Question Title

* 1. Do you have a cochlear implant?

Yes

No (go to Question 5)

Question Title

* 2. If you answered yes, when did you get your first cochlear implant?

Less than a year ago

1-3 years ago

3-10 years ago

More than 10 years ago

Question Title

* 3. How long did you wait to move forward with your first cochlear implant (if you have more than one, just reference your first) after you first learned you were a candidate?

6 months or less

6 months to one year

1-2 years

2-5 years

More than 5 years

Question Title

* 4. If you waited to move forward, why did you wait? Indicate all factors that entered into your decision to wait.

Difficulty getting insurance coverage

Perception that cochlear implantation was not covered by health insurance

Concerns about the surgery

Didn't want to lose my residual hearing and thought I had too much hearing

Felt that I was doing ok with my hearing aids, assistive listening devices and other access tools

Wanted to wait for the technology to improve

Other hearing restoration options may be available soon

Heard negative comments about cochlear implants

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. If you don't have a CI and you believe you are a candidate for a cochlear implant, why haven't you moved forward? (Select all items that are relevant reasons for you.)

I don't think that health insurance will cover the surgery and follow-up care

I am fearful or concerned about the surgery

I don't want to lose my remaining (residual) hearing

I've been told cochlear implants don't work well

I believe that I won't enjoy music with a cochlear implant

I think I am getting along ok with hearing aids and other supports

I wish to wait for the cochlear implant technology to improve

I am waiting for availability of other hearing restoration options such as hair cell regeneration

I have generally heard negative comments about cochlear implants

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. If you did not go forward with a CI, what might have helped you to make a positive decision?

Having access to research-based information in a format that is accessible to me and my family members

Greater availability to CI clinicians to address my lingering questions and concerns

Interacting with recipients in person

Interacting with recipients online

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 7. Are you willing to answer additional questions about your decision-making to help us better understand the cochlear implant process from the perspective of adults with significant hearing loss? If yes, please add your name and email address below. We will not share your personal information with anyone else.