Conceptualizing and conducting preoperative psychological assessments of cochlear implant candidates.

A review of literature pertaining to psychosocial research on cochlear implantation is embedded in this formulation of how preoperative psychological assessments should be comceptualized and conducted. This article considers various purposes of such assessments, including those relevant to candidate selection, exclusion, and readiness. Particular attention is directed to the conceptualization and operational investigation of candidate readiness, which includes aspects of motivation and informed consent. Assessment in this context is framed as both a data collection and an intervention procedure. The article describes specific methodologies useful in preoperative psychological assessment, including questionnaires, interviews, and psychological tests.