Human-Machine-Participation. On the success and shortcomings oft he hearing prosthesis cochlear implant.

Abstract

Human - Machine - Participation. On the Success and the Shortcomings of the Hearing Prosthesis Cochlear Implant The recovery of hearing in deafness or profound hearing loss after a cochlear implant is nowadays the rule rather than the exception. However, next to the multiple success with the hearing prosthesis and the associated gain in freedom in professional, social and cultural participation, the person concerned encounter serious challenges. Many of those who have received a hearing prosthesis are burdened by years of strenuous practice in learning to understand with the cochlear implant. Beside this, cochlear users experience after-effects due to the implant surgery such as tinnitus, dizziness or impaired balance. Furthermore, they face a dependence on the few existing medical and technical experts for the care of their hearing prosthesis and a lack of local care concepts for necessary therapeutic support. They also meet various hearing barriers in their everyday life. People at an advanced age currently play a particularly important role due to the high number of fittings. In a reconstructive study, more than 70 people with a cochlear implant were interviewed by means of a guideline interview on their personal experiences with the operating clinics and their newly experienced social, cultural and professional participation in society. The results which were evaluated with the qualitative content analysis showed, on one hand, outstanding improvements in the communicative processes in the users’ direct surroundings. However, on the other hand, the high demands placed on the mastery of technology and a comprehensive personal responsibility in dealing with the hearing comprehension with the prosthesis, which was perceived as disconcerting, led to considerable burdens. This clearly showed the limits of human-machine-interaction.