R J Bennett1,2, D M P Jayakody1,2, R H Eikelboom1,2,3, M D Atlas1,2. 1. Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia. 2. Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia. 3. Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: A self-administered device management survey was developed and validated to investigate the ability of cochlear implant recipients to self-report physical handling and care for their hearing implant device(s) and to identify factors that may influence self-reported management skills. DESIGN: Survey development and validation. A prospective convenience cohort design study. SETTING: Specialist hearing implant clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-nine post-lingually hearing impaired, adult cochlear implant recipients, at least 12 months postoperative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey test-retest reliability, responsiveness, criterion validity and sensitivity and specificity compared to clinician evaluation of device management skills. Correlations between self-reported management skills and participant demographic, audiometric, cognitive function, clinical outcomes and device factors. RESULTS: The self-administered Cochlear Implant Management Skills survey was developed, demonstrating high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.884, P < 0.001; CI 95%: 0.721-0.952), responsiveness to intervention (management skills training) [t(20) = -3.245, P = 0.004], criterion validity (ICC = 0.765, P < 0.001; CI 95%: 0.584-0.868) and sensitivity (0.89). No associations were found between self-reported management skills and participant factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a self-report survey is an effective method for the evaluation of skills required for cochlear implant device management.
OBJECTIVE: A self-administered device management survey was developed and validated to investigate the ability of cochlear implant recipients to self-report physical handling and care for their hearing implant device(s) and to identify factors that may influence self-reported management skills. DESIGN: Survey development and validation. A prospective convenience cohort design study. SETTING: Specialist hearing implant clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-nine post-lingually hearing impaired, adult cochlear implant recipients, at least 12 months postoperative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey test-retest reliability, responsiveness, criterion validity and sensitivity and specificity compared to clinician evaluation of device management skills. Correlations between self-reported management skills and participant demographic, audiometric, cognitive function, clinical outcomes and device factors. RESULTS: The self-administered Cochlear Implant Management Skills survey was developed, demonstrating high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.884, P < 0.001; CI 95%: 0.721-0.952), responsiveness to intervention (management skills training) [t(20) = -3.245, P = 0.004], criterion validity (ICC = 0.765, P < 0.001; CI 95%: 0.584-0.868) and sensitivity (0.89). No associations were found between self-reported management skills and participant factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a self-report survey is an effective method for the evaluation of skills required for cochlear implant device management.