Predictors of health-related quality of life in adult cochlear implant recipients in South Africa

Objective: To identify and describe predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes for adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients in South Africa. Design: A retrospective study of adult CI recipients was conducted and cross-sectional HRQoL outcome data were added at the time of data collection, using the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ). Twenty-two potential predictive factors were identified from the retrospective dataset, including demographic, hearing loss, CI and risk-related factors. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictor variables that influence HRQoL outcomes. Study sample: The study sample included 100 adult CI recipients from four CI programs, implanted for at least 12 months. Results: History of no tinnitus prior to CI, bilateral implantation and mainstream schooling were strongly predictive of better overall HRQoL outcomes. Factors such as age, age at implant, gender, onset of hearing loss, duration of CI use and presence of risk factors did not predict HRQoL scores. Conclusion: A range of significant prognostic indicators were identified for HRQoL outcomes in adult CI recipients. These predictors of HRQoL outcomes can guide intervention services' informational counselling.