Abstract:
Objectives: The objectives of the study was to assess the inter-judge reliability of rating scales at six months and at first year following implantation, to compare the rating scale with aided speech identification, to check the predictability of speech identification measured six months / one year post-implantation from the rating scale and to assess the quality of life of children with cochlear implants. Design: Using a purposive sampling technique, 52 children using cochlear implants between 3 to 6 years were considered. Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS), and Integrated Scales of Development (ISD) were the rating scales administered to supervisors, clinicians, and parents of children with CI. Also, speech identification tests and quality of life questionnaire was administered at six months and one year post-implantation. Results: There was good inter-judge reliability among the three judges for CAP. Parent’s rating was better than the supervisors and clinicians for MAIS and ISD. Parents and clinician CAP scores showed correlation and were a predictor of speech identification testing one year post CI. Quality of life measurements is showed improvements from six months to one year post CI. Conclusions: Rating scales like CAP can be used as a tool to measure outcomes in children with CI. The rating scales administered parents of children with CI serve as an appropriate tool for assessing the outcomes as it is the best predictor for speech perception measures. It is recommended that the Government CI schemes should also include quality of live questionnaire at 1 year of post CI in the assessment protocols.
