Emerging adults with cochlear implants: Their experiences and lifeworlds

There is a fundamental gap in understanding the experiences and lifeworld development of emerging adults with cochlear implants (CI). Many studies using quantitative data describe the functionality of CIs with children. Moreover, there is a limited body of studies using qualitative methods such as ethnographic case studies where the narratives of emerging adults with cochlear implants are gathered to represent their experiences with being CI users. The goal of this research was to uncover the experiences of these emerging adults. In this study, five deaf emerging adults with CIs were interviewed over an extended period of time about their experiences and their social and emotional responses to the CI itself. Using a phenomenological lens, each member participated in a series of in-depth interviews and observations in order to reveal their identity, self-perception, and overall lifeworld in response to their CI. The results from this research suggest the CI is a social construction, the CIs were “not perfect” devices, participants handled adversity similarly, participants experienced increased autonomy, and the role of social support was an important factor. As a result of these data three archetypes for CI users were established based on the participants’ narratives. COCHLEAR IMPLANTS: SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL IMPLICATIONS Each year, the use of cochlear implants (CI) usage is increasing dramatically. As of December 2012, nearly 324,200 individuals around the word have received this progressive technology (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2009). To date, this technology has primarily focused on the functionality and auditory and aural outcomes of these tools rather than the social and emotional responses of those who receive them. A growing number of researchers agree that more studies need to analyze the social and emotional effects that cochlear implantation has on children and adolescents (Christiansen & Leigh, 2002; Percy-Smith, CayeThomasen, Gudman, Hensen, & Thomsen, 2008; Schorr, Roth, & Fox, 2009; Thoutenhoofd et al., 2005.; Wheeler, Archbold, Gregory, & Skipp, 2007). As a result, little is known about the social and emotional responses of deaf adolescents and young adults with CIs from their own viewpoints. However, a few recent studies have sought to contribute to our understanding of the social aspect of CIs on individuals. Spencer, Tomblin, and Gantz (2012), used mixed methods to investigate 41 CI users 16 years and older. A majority of these participants reflected a comfort with their dual identity and an overall satisfaction with life. Similarly, Stinson and Buckly (2013) discuss their own experiences with these devices along with 16 other CI users and/or families. Participant narratives reflect positive outcomes of CI usage and an overall fulfilling and life altering experience. Hilton, Jones, Harmon, and Cropper (2013), added to the research by using a phenomenological lens with 11 young individuals with bilateral cochlear implants. One theme that emerged from the study was contentment with bilateral devices, and also an improved self-confidence. These studies are useful in understanding the impact CIs have on groups of individuals; still, more qualitative research is needed to encompass CI users involved in different life stages and varying demographics.