Lindsey Edwards1, Tina Hill, Merle Mahon. 1. Cochlear Implant Programme, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK. Lindsey.Edwards@gosh.nhs.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the quality of life of deaf children with cochlear implants using a newly developed parent-report measure designed for use in this group. It compared the quality of life of implanted children with additional needs (e.g. physical or learning difficulties), with implanted children without such needs. METHODS: A 22-item questionnaire comprising four sub-scales was developed and demonstrated to have good psychometric properties. This questionnaire was mailed to the parents of 199 children and adolescents with at least 2 years cochlear implant use. RESULTS: Responses were received from 89 parents, 42% of whom reported that their child had additional needs. The quality of life of these children was rated as poorer than that of children without additional needs on three of the four subscales as well as on the total quality of life rating. However, despite these significant concerns the great majority of parents reported that their child's quality of life had improved 'moderately' or 'very much', irrespective of whether they had additional needs. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear implantation has a positive impact on the quality of life of deaf children with additional needs, to a similar extent as for those without such needs.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the quality of life of deaf children with cochlear implants using a newly developed parent-report measure designed for use in this group. It compared the quality of life of implanted children with additional needs (e.g. physical or learning difficulties), with implanted children without such needs. METHODS: A 22-item questionnaire comprising four sub-scales was developed and demonstrated to have good psychometric properties. This questionnaire was mailed to the parents of 199 children and adolescents with at least 2 years cochlear implant use. RESULTS: Responses were received from 89 parents, 42% of whom reported that their child had additional needs. The quality of life of these children was rated as poorer than that of children without additional needs on three of the four subscales as well as on the total quality of life rating. However, despite these significant concerns the great majority of parents reported that their child's quality of life had improved 'moderately' or 'very much', irrespective of whether they had additional needs. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear implantation has a positive impact on the quality of life of deaf children with additional needs, to a similar extent as for those without such needs.
Authors: Donald L Patrick; Todd C Edwards; Poorna Kushalnagar; Tari Topolski; Brenda Schick; Ann Skalicky; Kathleen Sie Journal: J Deaf Stud Deaf Educ Date: 2018-07-01
Authors: Rachel L Meserole; Christine M Carson; Anne W Riley; Nae-Yuh Wang; Alexandra L Quittner; Laurie S Eisenberg; Emily A Tobey; Howard W Francis; John K Niparko Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2013-08-23 Impact factor: 4.147