University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences
Abstract
Sensory processing represents a neurological process that involves sensory perception, organisation,
and reaction to sensory stimuli. It is a broad mechanism that refers to how our
central and peripheral nervous systems regulate sensory information from our seven (peripheral)
sensory systems. The aim of this paper was to examine the sensory processing features
in children with cochlear implants and to determine the correlation between the processing
of sensory information with emotional and social responses, as well as behavioural
outcomes. Parents of 24 children with cochlear implants, ranging in age from 1 to 10 years old,
completed the Sensory Profile questionnaire. The results show that children with cochlear
implants had lower sensory processing performance in several domains of the Sensory Profile.
Pearson’s r correlation revealed that there were significant relationships between social/
emotional responses and behavioural outcomes with almost all sensory inputs, except the
vestibular. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the respondents from this convenient
sample had significant difficulties in adjusting their levels of activity to the requirements
of everyday life and daily tasks. These research findings can contribute to improving
the effective implementation of sensory integration therapy, as well as highlighting the need
to adjust a child’s environment based on their profile of sensory needs.10th International Conference: Research in Education and Rehabilitation Sciences: ERFCON 2023
May 5 - 7, 2023
Zagreb, Croati
