Benefits of auditory-verbal intervention for adult cochlear implant users: perspectives of users and their coaches.

Post-implant rehabilitation is limited for adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients. The objective of this research was to capture the perspectives of CI users and their coaches regarding their experiences with auditory-verbal intervention as an example of post-implant rehabilitation and their views on perceived benefits and challenges related to the intervention. This qualitative study involved semi-structured focus group interviews with adult CI users and their coaches who accompanied them in a 24-week auditory-verbal intervention program. A total of 17 participants (eight CI users and nine coaches) contributed to the interviews. Three key topic areas emerged from the interviews capturing CI users' and coaches' experiences related to the intervention program: (1) benefits of the intervention, (2) factors affecting experiences, and (3) challenges and barriers. Benefits included increased confidence in hearing, communication, social participation, and new knowledge about technology and hearing. Factors affecting the experience were participants' motivation and the therapist's skills. The primary challenge was the time commitment for weekly therapy. Both CI users and coaches perceived a focussed auditory-verbal intervention to be beneficial in improving speech understanding, confidence in using hearing, social interaction, and knowledge about technology. Participants recommended reducing the intensity of intervention to facilitate participation.