PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effect of cochlear implantation (CI) on work ability. The influences of quality of life (QOL), age, mental health, and hearing were analyzed.

METHODS: Seventy-nine patients undergoing CI surgery were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Work ability was evaluated using the Work Ability Index (WAI). QOL was assessed with the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) and the WHOQOL-BREF. Mental health was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire.

RESULTS: The WAI was unaffected by CI (Δ 0.8 ± 6.8, p  = 0.42). No significant changes in WAI were observed for employees (Δ - 1.1 ± 5.7, p  = 0.25) and pensioners (Δ -0.4 ± 7.8, p  = 0.73). Patients without elevated depressiveness, stress, or somatoform symptoms had significantly better WAI.The multiple regression analyses show that WHOQOL-BREF (ß = 0.49, p  ≤ 0.001), age (ß = -0.34, p  ≤ 0.001), and depressiveness (ß = 0.33, p  = 0.04) were significantly associated with WAI. In the employee group, the NCIQ (ß = 0.58, p  = 0.008) had the strongest association with the WAI.

CONCLUSION: Age, mental health, and QOL are predictive factors for work ability. This should be considered in the consultation and the rehabilitation process.