Parental Awareness Regarding Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Approach for Children with Cochlear Implants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ejl.3676Keywords:
Cochlear Implant, Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation, Parental Awareness, Pediatric Hearing Loss, Speech-Language Pathology.Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the level of parental awareness regarding the multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach for children with cochlear implants.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children with cochlear implants (N = 41) using a self-developed questionnaire. The tool underwent content validation by an expert panel (content validity index = 0.87) and reliability testing (Cronbach’s α = 0.76). Data were collected using non-probability convenience sampling from rehabilitation centers and online parent support groups. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Findings: Most parents (70.7%) reported awareness of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach. Awareness was highest for audiologists (24.3%) and speech-language pathologists (19.5%), while considerably lower awareness was observed for psychologists (7.3%), occupational therapists (12.1%), and special educators (4.8%). Overall, 80.5% of parents demonstrated a high level of awareness, whereas 19.5% exhibited moderate awareness. Higher parental education levels were associated with greater awareness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation services.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: Although the majority of parents demonstrated general awareness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for children with cochlear implants, knowledge gaps remain regarding the roles of non-medical professionals, particularly psychologists, occupational therapists, and special educators. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting disparities in parental understanding of multidisciplinary care. Practically, structured parent education programs and integrated counseling within cochlear implant services are recommended to enhance holistic rehabilitation outcomes and improve long-term child development.
Downloads
References
Al-Shammari, A., & Almulhim, A. (2017). Parental knowledge and attitudes toward cochlear implants in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 99, 33–38.
Antia, S. D., Jones, P. B., Reed, S., & Kreimeyer, K. H. (2009). Academic status and progress of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 14(3), 293–311.
Archbold, S., & O’Donoghue, G. (2009). Ensuring the long-term use of cochlear implants in children: The importance of family-centered support. Deafness & Education International, 11(2), 67–83.
Archbold, S., Sach, T., O’Neill, C., Lutman, M., Gregory, S., & Nikolopoulos, T. (2014). Parental perspectives on cochlear implantation. International Journal of Audiology, 53(1), 30–36.
DesJardin, J. L. (2006). Family empowerment: Supporting language development in young children with cochlear implants. The Volta Review, 106(3), 275–298.
Fitzpatrick, E. M., Angus, D., Durieux-Smith, A., Graham, I. D., & Coyle, D. (2008). Parents’ needs following identification of childhood hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 47(6), 318–330.
Geers, A. E., Nicholas, J. G., & Sedey, A. L. (2003). Language skills of children with early cochlear implantation. Ear and Hearing, 24(1 Suppl.), 46S–58S.
Khan, S., Malik, M. I., & Ahmed, Z. (2019). Challenges in pediatric cochlear implantation services in Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 35(6), 1641–1646.
Moeller, M. P. (2000). Early intervention and language development in children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Pediatrics, 106(3), e43-e43.
Moeller, M. P., Carr, G., Seaver, L., Stredler-Brown, A., & Holzinger, D. (2013). Best practices in family-centered early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 18(4), 429–445.
Niparko, J. K., Tobey, E. A., Thal, D. J., Eisenberg, L. S., Wang, N. Y., Quittner, A. L., ... & CDaCI Investigative Team. (2010). Spoken language development in children following cochlear implantation. Jama, 303(15), 1498-1506.
Olusanya, B. O., Neumann, K. J., & Saunders, J. E. (2014). The global burden of disabling hearing impairment. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 92(5), 367–373.
Punch, R., & Hyde, M. (2010). Communication, psychosocial, and educational outcomes of children with cochlear implants. International Journal of Audiology, 49(5), 318–327.
Punch, R., & Hyde, M. (2011). Social participation of children and adolescents with cochlear implants. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 16(3), 301–312.
Sharma, A., & Dorman, M. F. (2006). Central auditory development after cochlear implantation. Trends in Amplification, 10(2), 67–80.
Sorkin, D. L. (2013). Cochlear implantation in developing countries. Otology & Neurotology, 34(3), 500–506.
World Health Organization. (2021). World report on hearing. World Health Organization.
Yoshinaga-Itano, C., Sedey, A. L., Coulter, D. K., & Mehl, A. L. (1998). Language of early-and later-identified children with hearing loss. Pediatrics, 102(5), 1161-1171.
Zaidman-Zait, A. (2007). Psychosocial outcomes of children with cochlear implants: A review. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 12(4), 490–505.
Zaidman-Zait, A., & Most, T. (2005). Cochlear implants in children: Parental expectations and involvement. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 10(3), 297–311.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nimra Anjum, Syed Tariq Shah, Madeeha Nisar, Maimoona Ismail, Sadia Shaukat
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
