Benefits and shortcomings of cochlear implantation in children: Parental reports from India

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to understand the rationale for choosing cochlear implantation as a rehabilitation option and the benefits and shortcomings of cochlear implants in children as reported by their parents.  Method: Ninety parents of children with cochlear implants from various parts of India completed open-ended questionnaires. Results: The main reasons for choosing cochlear implantation include: no benefit from hearing aids, the expectation that children would have better hearing and develop age appropriate speech and language. Most of the participants reported benefits of cochlear implantation in a home setting but not in school and other social settings. Most participants reported shortcomings in a home setting but only less than half reported in school and other social settings.  Conclusions: Not all respondents reported benefits and shortcomings in all settings, particularly school and other social settings. This may raise some questions about knowledge of parents about what to expect from their child’s performance with a cochlear implant in different settings