Cochlear Research

Enhancing Engagement for Cochlear Recipients

 The primary goal of this project was to understand how and when recipients of cochlear implants want to engage with Cochlear, with the assumption that an engaged recipient is more likely to have positive outcomes and consider upgrades.

Objectives:

1. Define the engaged recipient and their various types of engagement.

2. Identify short-term and long-term opportunities to engage both candidates and recipients in manner that meets their exceptations.

3. Understand the factors that make a candidate more likely to become a recipient, and what encourages recipients to upgrade, with a focus on the role of clinicians in the patient journey.

Methodology:

• Interviews: Conducted 14 remote 60-minute interviews via Zoom between June 14 and July 19, 2022

• Participant Demographics: Focused on the Senior Adult segment, with a mix of product users:

  • 8 Nucleus 7 recipients

  • 3 Baha 5 recipients

  • 2 Kanso 2 recipients

  • Recipients were also divided by the length of time since their implant;

    • 1 recipient < 1 year

    • 7 recipients 1-2 years

    • 6 recipients 3-5 years

Key Findings:

1. Living with a Sound Processor:

   • Most active participants spend about 30 minutes a week managing their sound processors

   • Adaptation is a constant, daily process integrated into their routine lives

   • Spouses often play a crucial support role

   • The initial experience with the sound processor is memorable and varies greatly among individuals

   • Common challenges include filtering background noise, localizing sound, and dealing with form factor issues

   2. Initial Training and Materials:

   • Recipients receive a backpack with materials and literature from Cochlear, including exercise booklets which are particularly helpful

   • The first 30 days are critical for learning and adaptation, and diligent effort during this period is crucial for long-term success

   3. Ongoing Education:

   • There is a desire for an app with more features and easier usability, including functionalities that work without a connection to the processor

   • Some participants wish for more readily available training classes

   • Continuous learning and active engagement tend to decrease over time as recipients settle into a routine

   4. Engagement and Communication:

   • Participants expressed a desire for community engagement, both virtual and in-person, to share expereinces and gain tips

   • Engagement styles vary, with some participants actively seeking information while others prefer passive consumption

   • There is interest in support groups, Zoom calls, and additional resources from Cochlear, though preferences for engagement frequency and platform vary

Recommendation:

1. Content and Communication Strategy:

   • Develop an app with enhanced features, inlcuding offline capablities and training reminders

   • Create more engaging and diverse training materials to maintain interest and motivation during the critical early learning phase

   • Offer virtual and in-person support groups and classes to cater to different engagement preferences

   2. Personalized Engagement:

   • Tailor communication and support efforts based on individual engagement style and preferences

   • Provide regular, but not overwhelming, updates and reminders through preferred channels (e.g., email, app notifications)

   3. Community Building:

   • Facilitate community building through online forums, virtual meetups, and local support groups

   • Encourage peer support and information sharing to help recipients navigate unique challenges and improve their overall experience

Conclusion:

The research highlights the importance of tailored engagement strategies to enhance the recipient experience with cochlear implants. By understanding the diverse needs and preferences of recipients, Cochlear can develop more effective communication, training, and support initiatives to foster positive outcomes and encourage long-term engagement.