Factors Affecting Early Cochlear Implantation in Children

Abstract

Aim and objective: The purpose of the current study was to analyse the demographic, parental, professional, and other factors which may be responsible for the delay in age of diagnosis and cochlear implantation in children. Method: Thirty parents of cochlear implantees with severe to profound hearing loss participated in the study. The children underwent unilateral CI after three years of age. For the analyses of factors, demographic and audiological information were collected from the case files, and a questionnaire was developed and administered through a telephonic interview on the parents. The questionnaire consists of questions regarding the factors, which had to be answered on 5 points Likert scale. Results: The results revealed that majorly parental factors delay the age of implantation. The results showed a negative correlation between the age of implantation and the mothers’ education and for the parental factor like consulting many professionals for a second opinion. A positive correlation between the age of implantation, missing appointments, and taking care of family members has been observed. There was no correlation between age of implantation and professional factors. There was no effect of gender, geographical location, or source of funding on the age of implantation. Conclusion: The study suggests that parental factors like missing appointments, taking care of family members, and mothers’ education contributed to delayed diagnosis of hearing loss and cochlear implantation in children. It can be inferred that parents' attitude toward their child's hearing loss has to be dealt with initially for improved outcomes. There is a need for more public awareness and education to avoid the barriers to late implantation.