Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand how adults who have previously experienced hearing through sound perceive their choices and adjustments related to using cochlear implants (CIs) by using a qualitative approach.

METHODS: This research was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methodologies. The participants consisted of 11 adults (6 females, 5 males; mean age: 36.8±12.2 years; range, 21 to 55 years), all of whom had postlingual hearing loss and had been using a CI for at least one year. Data were collected through semistructured interviews. The interview guide was developed based on expert opinion and included 13 open-ended questions categorized under four thematic areas. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. The analysis revealed three main themes and nine subthemes.

RESULTS: Participants’ experiences with the CI process were grouped into three main themes: decision-making and information, auditory experiences and rehabilitation process, and psychosocial adaptation. Personalized information reduced anxiety and improved readiness. Auditory rehabilitation enhanced awareness of environmental sounds and speech intelligibility, while music perception varied individually. Adaptation to the device involved not only technical but also psychosocial adjustment. Participants reported improved social interactions, greater independence, and highlighted the importance of social support in the adjustment process.

CONCLUSION: Individualized counseling and rehabilitation, the integration of social support systems to this process, and ensuring these services are accessible to all CI candidates and users are vital for successful outcomes and user satisfaction.