Parental reported benefits and shortcomings of cochlear implantation: Pilot study findings from Southeast Asia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to understand the reported benefits and shortcomings by parents of children with cochlear implants and who contribute towards the cost of the implant.


METHODS
Thirty parents of children with cochlear implants from a hearing impaired school in Southeast Asia completed open-ended questionnaires and the data were analysed using content analysis.


RESULTS
A wide range of benefits and shortcomings were reported. However, it is notable that the single most reported shortcoming was related to cost.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that, even though, in general, the reports about benefits and shortcomings were similar to previous results from western countries, the emphasis given to various aspects of shortcomings was different. In particular, it appears that parentally reported outcomes could be related to many factors including the hearing healthcare system with the costs involved for the implanted individuals and their families. These findings help us understand the parental perspectives of the success of cochlear implantation and will be useful during parental counselling sessions.
South of England Cochlear Implant Centre, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. S.Chundu@soton.ac.uk
Srikanth
S
Chundu
Vinaya K C
VK
Manchaiah
Dafydd
D
Stephens
Neeraj
N
Kumar
D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003638:Deafness / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires