Identification of decision-making criteria for device selection by cochlear implant patients - a pilot study.

purposePrior to a cochlear implant (CI) treatment, patients undergo an extensive consultation process. In Germany, patients themselves usually can select a device from one of the offered CI manufacturers. Patients therefore receive a large amount of information, to support the challenging decision-making process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the parameters that are most important to patients during the consultation process for choosing a CI device.

methodsIn total, 41 patients were included in our study. Questionnaires were used to assess the subjective importance of various device related parameters, such as features of the implant, processor, hearing programs and accessories for the counseling process for selection of the CI device. A Likert scale was used to assess the importance of the respective parameters (“very important”, “important”, “rather unimportant” and “unimportant”). The assessment was done at three time points: preoperatively (day of device selection), approx. three weeks postoperatively (after completion of the initial fitting) and after six months of experience with CI use.

resultsThe “implant reliability” and the “processor wearing comfort” were rated as very important at all observation points. The availability of a “noise reduction” algorithm was also rated as important. The features of the implant, such as the “shape of the electrode” and “length of the electrode array”, as well as features of the remote control, such as the “availability of a display”, were rated as less important content during the counseling for device selection. The rating for some parameters, e.g. subjective importance, has even changed over time. The availability of “directional microphone technique” and the ”availability of processor buttons” was rated more important postoperatively with CI usage experience than preoperatively.

conclusionBased on the study results, important and unimportant parameters of the CI system during the counseling process were identified. It should be taken into account that several parameters important to the patient may change over time with increasing practical CI experience. Our data may be useful in optimizing the CI counseling process. Although CI counseling must follow defined quality standards, it remains an individualized process that must take into account the specific needs of the patient.