Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Parental perspectives regarding early intervention and its role in cochlear implantation in children
Donna L Sorkin1, Teresa A Zwolan
1Cochlear Americas, Englewood, Colorado 80112, U.S.A. dsorkin@cochlear.com
Insights
Parents of children with hearing impairments reported inadequate information and service access for cochlear implantation (CI) within early intervention (EI) programs. Lower socioeconomic status and non-Caucasian families were underrepresented in CI use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Early intervention services
- Cochlear implantation
Background:
- Federally funded early intervention (EI) programs provide crucial support for families of children with hearing impairments.
- Cochlear implantation (CI) is a significant intervention for eligible children, but access and information may vary.
- Parental perspectives on EI services related to CI are essential for understanding service delivery and equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate parental views on early intervention (EI) services supporting cochlear implantation (CI) for hearing-impaired children.
- To determine if family ethnicity or income correlates with cochlear implant utilization.
- To identify barriers and facilitators in accessing CI services through EI programs.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective survey was distributed to 300 parents of children who received Nucleus cochlear implants in the United States.
- The survey assessed parental ratings of perceived bias, services received under EI, and difficulties in accessing these services.
- Family socioeconomic status and ethnicity were collected as demographic variables.
Main Results:
- Non-Caucasian children and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were underrepresented in the cochlear implant population.
- Parents reported a lack of comprehensive and unbiased information regarding communication options and technology within EI services.
- Some parents experienced challenges in obtaining necessary services for cochlear implantation.
Conclusions:
- Early intervention professionals play a key role in guiding families through the diagnostic and treatment process for cochlear implantation.
- Families with lower socioeconomic status may face greater challenges in navigating the cochlear implant process.
- Early intervention services can improve access to cochlear implantation for families with limited financial resources.
Objective:
To examine parental perspectives regarding services provided to families of hearing-impaired children under federally funded early-intervention (EI) programs with respect to support of cochlear implantation. Furthermore, to examine if family ethnicity or income was correlated with use of cochlear implants.
Study Design:
A 4-page retrospective survey was mailed to parents of children who received Nucleus cochlear implants.
Setting:
Surveys were sent to parents' registered home addresses.
Patients:
A random stratified sample of 300 parents residing in the United States was drawn from the registration database maintained by Cochlear Americas.
Intervention:
Surveys were administered after the children received a cochlear implant.
Main Outcome Measures:
Family ratings of perceived bias during advisement, services received under EI and difficulty accessing such services, and family's socioeconomic status and ethnicity.
Results:
Children who were non-Caucasian and of lower socioeconomic status were underrepresented in the cochlear implant population. Parents noted a lack of "comprehensive and bias-free" information regarding communication options and technology under EI and sometimes experienced difficulty in obtaining certain services.
Conclusion:
Early-intervention professionals are the common denominator for families seeking information and services because they explain, help initiate, and expedite diagnostic and treatment services. Because low- and moderate-income families may have greater difficulty negotiating the cochlear implant process, EI can facilitate full access to this intervention by those with fewer financial resources.
