CiApplication: A User-centered Web App for Postoperative Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation

Cochlear implants are a form of assistive technology used by individuals with deafness or severe hearing loss. These devices enable hearing restoration but require users to (re)learn sounds through post-surgical therapy and ongoing training, creating a need for complementary home-based rehabilitation. This paper presents CiApplication, a web application that provides people using cochlear implants with a learning environment featuring exercises similar to those used in therapy. CiApplication was developed following a user-centered design approach, involving individuals using cochlear implants as well as their caregivers and therapists, throughout the development process. To this end, a user requirements study was first conducted in two phases: a) a questionnaire completed by 32 participants (23 individuals using cochlear implants, 9 caregivers), and b) interviews with 11 participants using cochlear implants. In addition, a speech and language therapist specializing in cochlear implant rehabilitation provided scientific guidance and feedback, as well as access to specialized exercises and material employed in therapy sessions. Prototypes were also developed and evaluated through semi-structured interviews. Specific areas for further refinements and additions of features were identified. In a preliminary user testing study, 10 other participants using cochlear implants rated CiApplication as “Good to Best Imaginable” on the System Usability Scale.