Patients' Experiences of an Active Transcutaneous Implant: The Bone Conduction Implant.

Introduction: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and describe patients' experiences of using and living with the bone conduction implant (BCI).

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 BCI users and analyzed according to the phenomenographic approach.

Results: Four conceptual themes were formed during the analysis; (1) conceptions of the process receiving the BCI, (2) conceptions of handling the BCI on a daily basis, (3) conceptions of hearing with the BCI, and (4) conceptions of health care issues related to the BCI. The participants' statements include experiences of improved hearing and self-esteem by using the BCI. Noisy situations and not being able to hear in daily life situations causes frustrations. The participants described anxiety about consequences following an MRI examination. The audio processor is easy to handle but the fact that it is not waterproof raise concerns. Despite some frustration and concerns, participants state that the audio processor has become a part of them, and they cannot imagine being without it.

Conclusion: The ability to hear and communicate with other people has a great impact on the participants' daily life quality, and their statements show the importance hearing has on their lives and how they perceive themselves. The BCI seems to be a good hearing rehabilitation alternative for the participants, and they state that the audio processor is easy to use and handle.

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