Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Impact on patients of the coronovirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of cochlear implant surgery: a qualitative study

2021; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 135; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s002221512100219x

1748-5460

Rohma Abrar, Iain Bruce, Martin O’Driscoll, Simon Freeman, Unai Martinez de Estibariz, Emma Stapleton,

Noise Effects and Management

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of elective surgical procedures for profoundly deaf patients awaiting cochlear implantation. Method Open-ended questionnaires were sent to all adult patients awaiting cochlear implantation surgery. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach. Results Participants described a primarily negative impact on wellbeing from the surgery delay, expressing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Low mood, depression or hopelessness were commonly expressed by elderly participants; frustration and anxiety were described by young adults. Participants described a negative impact on their general daily life, describing difficulties communicating with facemasks and struggles with reliance on telephone communication because of social distancing. Despite these significant psychosocial challenges, only a minority described adaptive coping strategies. Discussion Profoundly deaf patients may be at greater psychosocial risk because of unique challenges from their hearing disability. Our findings can be used to develop evidence-driven strategies to improve communication, wellbeing and quality of life.