Pediatric cochlear implantation: the parents' perspective

To analyze parental views on cochlear implantation, before and in the years following implantation, to determine whether the results from the intervention met their expectations.

Prospective longitudinal study to assess parental perspectives of an unselected group of children with cochlear implantation.

Tertiary referral pediatric cochlear implant center in the United Kingdom.

Forty-three parents of children with cochlear implantation.

A specifically designed questionnaire was administered to assess preimplant expectations and observed changes and concerns at 1, 2, and 3 years following implantation. Three key domains were evaluated: (1) communication with others, (2) listening to speech without lipreading, and (3) the development of speech and language.

Preoperative expectations were met or surpassed at each of the follow-up intervals. In the area of communication, 35 (81%) parents expected a definite improvement preoperatively, and 3 years following implantation, 42 (98%) actually saw such an improvement. The respective numbers in the area of listening to speech were 15 (35%) and 38 (88%), and for speech development, 37 (86%) and 37 (86%). Speech development was the major area of concern at all intervals.

This study demonstrates the ability of cochlear implantation to meet or surpass parental expectations in 3 important outcome domains: communication, listening to speech, and the development of speech and language.