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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Pediatricians' knowledge of, experience with, and comfort levels for cochlear implants in children
Melody R Mathews1, Carole E Johnson, Jeffrey L Danhauer
1Department of Communication Disorders, 1199 Haley Center, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
Insights
Pediatricians need better knowledge of pediatric cochlear implants (CIs) and early hearing detection and intervention programs (EHDIPs). Many feel uncomfortable discussing CIs with families or determining candidacy, highlighting a need for audiology support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Medical education
- Public health
Background:
- Pediatricians play a crucial role in early hearing detection and intervention programs (EHDIPs).
- Accurate knowledge of diagnostics and treatments, including cochlear implants (CIs), is essential for pediatricians to guide families effectively.
- Understanding pediatricians' current knowledge and comfort levels regarding CIs is vital for improving hearing loss management in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pediatricians' knowledge about, experience with, and comfort levels concerning cochlear implants (CIs) in children.
- To identify gaps in pediatricians' understanding of EHDIPs and CI technology.
- To inform strategies for enhancing pediatricians' capacity to support children with hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 220 pediatricians across 9 cities in Alabama.
- A response rate of 13.7% was achieved, with 26 usable questionnaires.
- The study focused on pediatricians practicing in medical homes and experienced with sensorineural hearing loss.
Main Results:
- Less than half of the surveyed pediatricians had counseled families about CIs or had patients using them.
- Over half had not recommended CIs in the past five years, and many were unsure about current EHDIP goals.
- A significant portion expressed discomfort in determining CI candidacy and discussing CIs with families, though most were comfortable referring patients to specialists.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians demonstrated knowledge deficits regarding EHDIPs and pediatric CIs.
- There is a clear need for improved education and resources for pediatricians on hearing loss interventions.
- Audiologists should collaborate with pediatricians to provide necessary information and support for CI management.
Purpose:
Pediatricians are vital to early hearing detection and intervention programs (EHDIPs) and influence families' decisions and compliance with recommendations for their children having hearing loss. Pediatricians need current, accurate knowledge about diagnostics and treatments including cochlear implants (CIs). This study assessed pediatricians' knowledge about, experience with, and comfort levels for CIs in children.
Method:
Questionnaires were mailed to a total of 220 pediatricians in 9 cities in Alabama.
Results:
Nine questionnaires were undeliverable; of the remaining 211 surveys, 29 were returned (for a response rate of 13.7%), and 26 of those were usable. The results were consistent with other studies. All respondents focused on pediatrics; most were medical homes experienced with children having sensorineural hearing loss. Less than half had counseled families about CIs but had patients using them. Over half had not recommended CIs in 5 years. Several were unsure about current EHDIP goals and CIs in children. Over half were completely uncomfortable determining children's CI candidacy but were comfortable referring them to specialists. About a third were completely uncomfortable discussing CIs with and counseling families about them; most were comfortable with CIs being used in children over other habilitative options.
Conclusions:
These pediatricians demonstrated deficits in current, accurate knowledge about EHDIPs and CIs in children. Audiologists should help them obtain needed information.
