Cochlear implants in children with hearing loss: Maternal expectations and impact on the family

To facilitate evaluations of cochlear implant candidates and to promote (re)habilitation efficacy and collaboration with families, this study examined the expectations of 35 mothers with typical hearing and their beliefs and difficulties related to their child's hearing loss and current or future cochlear implantation. Questionnaires measured background, parents' expectations of children with cochlear implants in the areas of communication, social, academic, and future change, and of the (re)habilitation process, and the overall impact of childhood hearing loss. Findings showed that mothers expressed relatively high expectations from the child's outcomes following cochlear implantation as well as an understanding of the demanding nature of the (re)habilitation process. In relation to impact, higher stress levels in the mothers were due to more communication difficulties and with less satisfactory relationships with professionals. Moreover, maternal satisfaction positively correlated with mothers' expectations of children's social and communication skills. Results suggested that during the cochlear implant candidacy evaluation and (re)habilitation, professionals should acknowledge parents' high hopes regarding their child's future outcomes. Professionals should continue to disseminate up-to-date, research-based knowledge on the efficacy of cochlear implants and focus on parental expectations concerning the demanding post-implant (re)habilitation process. This, in turn, will give parents a clearer picture of the cochlear implant process.