Use of Cochlear Implant among People of Jos, North Central Nigeria: Societal and Financial Challenges

This chapter examined the challenges of Cochlear implants (CI) users in Jos, Nigeria. Cochlear implants (CIs) have proven to be a useful treatment option for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss by providing improved access to one's surrounding auditory environment. CIs differ from traditional acoustic amplification by providing information to the auditory system via electrical stimulation. Access to cochlear implants in developing countries is not without challenges. The study comprises 41 respondents, 16 out of 30 Cochlear Implant users in Jos responded to the questionnaire. Thirteen (13) relatives of the cochlear implant us- ers and twelve (12) ENT personnel doctors and nurses formed the sample size. CICQ questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents. A simple percentage was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that 62.5% of the CI users lived below 100,000 Naira (USD244) as their yearly income. Cochlear Implant accessories such as batteries, external devices, cords, and services or repairs are very expensive yet they don’t last long. We also have to travel a long distance to access cochlear implant mapping which costs us a lot in terms of transport fares. The majority (93.75%) have severe to profound hearing loss bilaterally but used CI unilaterally. The cost of CI accessories and administration, as well as their accessibility, have an impact on the economic, social, and psychological lives of CI users and their family members. The demand for CI in their facility is quite strong, and managing CI users is very difficult due to insufficient people, funding, and equipment, according to ENT personnel. We advised convenient access to CIs, their reasonable accessories and services, effective ENT staff training, and well-equipped medical facilities.