Investigation of Parental Expectations about Cochlear Implantation

Abstract

Cochlear implant is to be considered the best response to severe and profound hearing loss in children. Parental expectations of CI are now scope of research. It is important to have understanding of parents’ expectations of outcomes. In this scope, the purpose of study is to investigate parental expectation about CI. Qualitative descriptive design was used to conduct the research with 17 participants. Focus group interview was performed with CI team members (n = 6) and parents whose children are CI users (n = 7), while semi-structured interviews were conducted with various CI company representatives (n = 4). The data were subjected to descriptive analysis. Two main themes have emerged in regard of parental expectation: (1) Expectation before CI and (2) Expectation after CI. Findings of the study have shown that parents have relatively high but unrealistic expectations especially during the switch-on period before the CI. Following the CI their expectation have changed and reformed but tend to be low with regard to child’s development level. In the light of these findings, new research might be conducted with parents who attends other centers and have different experiences. These research were expected to enrich related literature and practices.