Quality of Life in Pediatric Cochlear Implantations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the satisfaction of patients with a cochlear implant using a Parents' Perspective Questionnaire and analyze the significant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who received a cochlear implant in Çukurova University between March 2002 and November 2012 were included in the study. Parents were asked to answer the Parents' Perspective Questionnaire. RESULTS: The age ranges of 62 patients were 2-5 years and of 99 patients were 6-11 years and over. In total, 144 parents were satisfied with the cochlear implant. Patients who attended school had more self-confidence, and users of an implant aged over 18 months had better social relations and self-confidence. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implants' positive effect on the quality of life is a fact, but parents have concerns in the preoperative and postoperative periods. Patients and parents should be informed carefully about cochlear implants. Also, patients' satisfaction is correlated with increasing duration of the implant and age.