Cochlear implanted deaf children with additional disabilities: The mothers perspective

Abstract

The objective of this qualitative study was to evaluate the perspective of mothers, whose children, in addition to being deaf and having cochlear implants, also have additional disabilities. Five mothers participated in this study and semi-structured interviews, together with the children’s clinical files were used to gather data and inductive analysis was used to establish themes. The results indicated that mothers were positive about the assessment and diagnostic procedures, as well as the outcomes of having cochlear implants. They reported differing expectations relating to their child’s development; however, they also voiced concerns about their children’s education and highlighted the need for more intensive rehabilitative support. Key words: Cochlear implants, deafness, profound hearing loss, additional disabilities, mothers.