Identity change of late-deafened adults after receiving cochlear implants

The (in)visibility of deafness: Identity, stigma, quality of life and the potential role of totally implantable cochlear implants

“…[8][9][10] However, late-deafened adults are typically concerned with the maintenance of their 'normal' identity before hearing loss 11 or reconciling multiple and potentially contradictory identities such as being hearing or being deaf. 12,13 Consequently, the stigma of deafness often leads to the denial and concealment of hearing loss; inaction and postponement to seek assistance; and social avoidance and isolation. 6,14 A recent study by Chang and Tucker 15 investigated the perceptions of self-stigma and socioemotional responses from adults who had acquired single-sided deafness later in life.…”