Late Bilateral Sequential Cochlear Implant and Quality of Life
lmplant Cochlear, Hearing loss, Quality of life, Questionnaire
Introduction: Hearing impairment is one of the main disorders that can interfere with the development of speech and language. In an individual can cause significant communication difficulties, social isolation, negativo fcelings and depressive disorders. The Ilearing Aids (11As) and Cochlear implant (Cl) are options for profound and sevcre hca ring loss, and the Cl can he indicated for individuais who do not obtain benefits from IlAs. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of individuais who underwent sequential bilateral cochlear implants (C1s) with a long surgical interval between procedures. Methods: Fifteen patients, ages 8 to 70, who underwent sequential bilateral CI, with an interval equal to or greater than 4 years between surgeries, were evaluated. Quality of life was evaluated using three questionnaires: WHOQOL - BREF, SSQ-12 and HHIA in Portuguese. Results: The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire showed that the study participants had a good quality of life in ali domains tested. According to SSQ - 12, few reported inability to listen in communication situations. Most individuais were classified as having medium disability by the HHIA, but the social and emotional effects did not significantly affect the quality of life. Conclusion: The use of questionnaires to assess the quality of life of patients with hearing impairm ent is a valuable tool to measure adaptation to CI. Patients undergoing bilateral sequential CI, even with a long interval betwee n procedure s presented high indices of quality of life.