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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
[Quality of life in children with cochlear implants and their families (Program Schwarzenberg)--initial report]
Witold Szyfter1, Marcin Kawczyński, Zofia Obrebowska-Karsznia
1Klinika Otolaryngologii AM im. K. Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu.
Insights
This study on childhood hearing loss found that cochlear implantation significantly improves the quality of life for children and their families. Parental work adjustments were common, highlighting the impact of hearing impairment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Quality of Life Research
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- The Schwarzenberg Initiative evaluated the quality of life for children with hearing impairments and their families across nine countries.
- Parental responses to a child's hearing impairment and the use of hearing aids before and after cochlear implantation were assessed.
- Behavioral changes in kindergarten and school settings were also examined.
Purpose:
- To present findings from an international study on the quality of life for children experiencing hearing loss.
- To analyze parental reactions and socioeconomic impacts related to childhood hearing impairment.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cochlear implantation in enhancing children's quality of life.
Summary:
- The study involved 1240 children from nine countries, with 60 Polish families participating.
- Key findings include parental work disruptions (27.7%) and changes in work status (9.1%) due to a child's hearing impairment.
- Most children showed improved sound perception post-implantation, with only a few reporting unsatisfactory results.
Impact:
- Cochlear implantation demonstrably increases the quality of life for children with hearing impairments.
- The findings underscore the significant psychosocial and economic impact of childhood hearing loss on families.
- This research provides valuable data for audiology and pediatric care, informing support strategies for affected families.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to present the results of international evaluation program "Quality of Life in children and their families--Schwarzenberg Initiative". The parents of children under 15 years old was asked to fill out specially prepared questionnaires. 1240 children from 9 countries participated in the study. In Poland 60 families filled out the questionnaires. 80 questions concerned several topics, including reaction of parents to the first information about impaired hearing of their child, using hearing aids before and after implantation, evaluation of behaviour in kindergarten and in school. This initial report describes only a few important topics. In 27.7% of Polish families the impaired hearing of their child was a cause to stop the work of one of the parents, to decrease time of work or to change the place of work in 9.1%. In most of the children the perception of sound was noticed. Only a few families from Austria, Slovenia, Swiss and Italy reported unsatisfactory results after implantation. Implantation increases quality of life of implanted children and their families.
