Olgun, Y.; Arayici, M.E.; İncesulu, A.; Tuncer, Ü.; Güneri, E.A.; Ellidokuz, H.; Olgun, L. Evaluation of the Impact of Cochlear Implantation on Patients’ Working Life: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare2024, 12, 566.
Olgun, Y.; Arayici, M.E.; İncesulu, A.; Tuncer, Ü.; Güneri, E.A.; Ellidokuz, H.; Olgun, L. Evaluation of the Impact of Cochlear Implantation on Patients’ Working Life: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare 2024, 12, 566.
Olgun, Y.; Arayici, M.E.; İncesulu, A.; Tuncer, Ü.; Güneri, E.A.; Ellidokuz, H.; Olgun, L. Evaluation of the Impact of Cochlear Implantation on Patients’ Working Life: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare2024, 12, 566.
Olgun, Y.; Arayici, M.E.; İncesulu, A.; Tuncer, Ü.; Güneri, E.A.; Ellidokuz, H.; Olgun, L. Evaluation of the Impact of Cochlear Implantation on Patients’ Working Life: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare 2024, 12, 566.
Abstract
Hearing loss that arises from various causes at different stages of life has a direct impact on individuals' physical and mental well-being. This paper aimed to evaluate the employment, workplace adaptation, productivity, and professional success of individuals who have hearing loss and whose hearing loss is corrected with a cochlear implant. In this cross-sectional study, the data was collected between November 2022 and March 2023 with the participation of individuals with cochlear implants living in several settlements in all regions of Türkiye. A total of 142 participants with severe hearing loss who were corrected with a cochlear implant were included in this study. The survey method was used to collect data for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 32 questions and was distributed to the participants online. In the first part of the questionnaire (1-10 questions), general characteristics of implant patients were investigated. In the second part (11-32 questions), the positive or negative effects of implantation on the work life of the participants were evaluated. Almost half of the research group (49.3%, n = 70) consisted of women, and the mean age of the participants was determined to be 35.8 ± 14.8. There was no significant difference between gender, educational status, implanted side, working time, working style (physical, desk), and factors affecting work life (p > 0.05). Professional satisfaction and success at work increased significantly more in those with acquired hearing loss (p = 0.010). Post-implantation workplace compliance, success, and productivity were found to be higher in those with acquired hearing loss (p = 0.013). It was observed that hearing loss had a greater negative impact on the work life of married people (p = 0.006). Cochlear implantation greatly enhances workplace satisfaction, increases self-confidence, and has a positive impact on the future of profoundly deaf individuals.
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
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