Self-esteem of postlingually deaf adults with cochlear implant: a systematic review

CI implantation is a successful method of treating postlingually deaf adults. Audiological factors cannot fully explain the increase in health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Mental health is part of HrQoL and self-esteem represents an important marker of it. The part of self-esteem in postlingually deaf adults with CI in relation to HrQoL has not yet been clarified. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available data on self-esteem in postlingually deaf adults with CI. The databases Medline, Psychinfo, Psyndex, Pubmed and Scopus were searched for articles examining postlingually deaf adult CI users in terms of self-esteem. Matching articles were evaluated and all data on self-esteem were extracted. The systematic literature search was based on the method of the PRISMA statement.

A total of 12 studies met the criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. Self-esteem has been separately assessed in only a few studies to date. A significant increase in self-esteem can be achieved through cochlear implantation. Nevertheless, postlingually deafened adults with CI apparently achieve lower self-esteem than the normal-hearing population. This group of individuals is particularly at risk for developing a mental illness due to low self-esteem. Therefore, in rehabilitation it has to be given special attention to these people within the follow-up care and possibly be provided with further therapeutic treatment.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022