Abstract:
Introduction: Cochlear implants and auditory brainstem implants are hearing implants which can provide auditory benefit to people with hearing loss. Furthermore, many studies show cochlear implants have a positive impact on communication, quality of life, social life, wellbeing, and tinnitus (Bovo, Ciorba, & Martini, 2011; Looi, Mackenzie, & Bird, 2011). Auditory brainstem implants have more variable outcomes and there is more limited research on them, particularly for quality of life. Aims: This study employed a qualitative approach to explore experiences of hearing, life and hearing implants pre and post-implantation, and to especially explore the perception of treatment and impact of hearing implants for hearing implant recipients. Methods: This research involved three semi-structured interviews with six hearing implant recipients, three received a cochlear implant and three received an auditory brainstem implant. These interviews were conducted firstly pre-implantation, secondly one week after the first mapping appointment and finally several months post-implantation. A six-stage process of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and produce themes (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Results: The analysis produced four themes which capture the experiences of hearing implant recipients pre and post-implantation: Hearing loss, Preconceptions of hearing implants, Process of learning to hear, and Outcomes. Conclusions: The findings provide support for the positive auditory and quality of life outcomes of hearing implants, and support for hearing implants in New Zealand. This study illustrates the importance of the long recursive nature of rehabilitation, and the need for appropriate expectations, determination and support to cope with this. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance that the health services are equipped to support hearing implant recipients through this long recursive process.