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Published on: June 21, 2024
How we do it: keeping paediatric patients motivated during the cochlear implant rehabilitative process
Anne Marie Tharpe1, Douglas Sladen
1Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. tharpeam@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu
Insights
This article offers strategies for clinicians programming cochlear implants for young children. It focuses on session structure, age-appropriate materials, and reinforcement to improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
Background:
- Cochlear implantation in very young children presents unique challenges for clinicians.
- Limited communication, short attention spans, and non-compliant behavior in young children complicate rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review techniques for successful cochlear implant rehabilitation sessions in young children.
- To provide strategies for clinicians working with pediatric cochlear implant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and novel techniques for pediatric auditory rehabilitation.
- Focus on session structure, developmentally appropriate materials, and reinforcement strategies.
- Inclusion of specific activities to maintain child engagement.
Main Results:
- Structured rehabilitation sessions improve engagement and outcomes.
- Developmentally appropriate materials and procedures are crucial for success.
- Effective reinforcement techniques enhance participation and progress.
Conclusions:
- Implementing structured, engaging, and age-appropriate rehabilitation techniques is vital for pediatric cochlear implant success.
- Clinicians can enhance the effectiveness of auditory rehabilitation for young children through strategic planning and execution.
- These strategies aim to overcome common challenges in pediatric auditory rehabilitation.
Abstract:
Cochlear implantation of very young children is a daunting prospect for the clinicians who must program, or map, their speech processors, or who provide other rehabilitative services. The limited communication skills, short attention span and non-compliant behaviour of young children challenge the most seasoned and skilled rehabilitation professionals. This article reviews some of the techniques that can be utilized to increase the likelihood of successful rehabilitation sessions. These techniques involve the structure of the rehabilitation sessions themselves, the selection of developmentally appropriate materials and procedures, and reinforcement options. The article also includes some specific activities designed to maintain a child's interest over a prolonged period of time.
