The Expectation of the Family of Children with Cochlear Implants in Primary

Introduction: Early restoration of auditory input through the cochlear implant enables communication skills, though with quite mixed results. Our results reflect the communication of the patient as well as their school performance.

Objectives: To evaluate the expectations the family has about the cochlear implant and check if these expectations are consistent with the difficulties faced by these students in the school environment.

Method: In this study, 21 subjects had answered an adapted questionnaire containing 20 questions.

Results: All families were satisfied with the cochlear implant, and 93.7% of the children have developed their speech skills and improved all aspects of socialization. Despite statistically significant findings, 66.7% of the responding parents believed that cochlear implants alone will not solve all the difficulties of their children. Furthermore, 57% of these families reported that their children have difficulties in following the school programs and another 60% of them had recognized that teachers have pedagogical questions regarding their children care. The majority (66.7%) did not use the FM circuit.

Conclusion: The family had realistic expectations about cochlear implants which were consistent with the difficulties faced by their children in the school environment.

Keywords: Cochlear implant, education, inclusion.