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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
A preliminary study looking at parental emotions following cochlear implantation
Flora Anagnostou1, John Graham, Susan Crocker
1Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK.
Cochlear Implants International
|June 6, 2007
Summary
Parents of children receiving cochlear implants experience significant grief, especially in the first two years. Fathers tend to use denial more than mothers, with emotions evolving over time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Psychology of hearing loss
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is a significant intervention for children with hearing loss.
- Parental emotional responses are crucial for a child's successful adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare parental emotions before and after cochlear implantation in children.
- To track emotional changes up to four years post-implantation.
- To identify gender-based differences in parental emotional experiences.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study utilizing self-report questionnaires.
- Involved 53 parents of children with cochlear implants.
- Data analyzed using parametric statistics.
Main Results:
- Grief is the most prominent emotion before and up to two years post-implantation, alongside family adjustments.
- Parents in the early post-implantation phase (0-2 years) report stronger emotions and lower satisfaction compared to those later (2-4 years).
- Fathers exhibit higher levels of denial than mothers.
Conclusions:
- Parental emotional experiences evolve significantly after pediatric cochlear implantation.
- Understanding these evolving emotions is vital for supporting families.
- Paediatric cochlear implant teams should consider gender-specific emotional responses, particularly denial.
