title: Cochlear implantation for a child with cochlear nerve deficiency: parental perspectives explored through narrative.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to explore, from the parents' perspectives, decision-making regarding a cochlear implant (CI) for their child when a favourable outcome is less likely because of abnormal neurophysiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary research method of this single case study was qualitative interviewing drawing on a narrative approach to elicit the parents' perspectives about their experiences over time. Each parent was interviewed separately, but thematic analyses were undertaken both within and across interviews in order to identify overlaps and differences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants included the parents of a five-year old child with severe-profound hearing loss, cochlear nerve deficiency, and bilateral common cavities who had received a CI at the age of 18 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four themes were identified across the four narrative stages that emerged from the parents' accounts of their experiences regarding their daughter's CI. Themes included hope and despair, questioning professionals' motivations, does deafness need a cure, and bringing the child into the family. Although these themes emerged from both parents' accounts, each parent expressed different perspectives and insights within them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings highlight the central place of parental needs and perspectives in decision-making regarding a CI, particularly in the context of uncertain outcomes.
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kotjan
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Purves
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Small
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000002:abnormalities*; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000160:Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*