Factors influencing the quality of life of children with cochlear implants,

Abstract Introduction The multidimensional impact of hearing loss on the various demands of life in children using cochlear implants is represented by variables that can influence the hearing, language and quality of life outcomes of this population. Objective To evaluate the factors influencing the quality of life of children with cochlear implantation, considering age, hearing age, age at evaluation, hearing skills, spoken language, family degree of receptiveness, schooling and socioeconomic status of the parents. Methods Participated 30 children using cochlear implants, aged 6 to 12 years and their respective parents. The children were evaluated by the categories auditory performance, by language category, and by the children with cochlear implants: perspectives parents questionnaire. Parents were assessed by the family involvement scale. Results The cochlear implant impacted the quality of life of the children, with more significant results on the increase of the social relations domain and the decrease of the family support domain. Overall, the increase of the age in the evaluation, better hearing and language skills, the mother's level of schooling and the family receptiveness correlated with the quality of life of children with cochlear implants. Conclusion The influencing factors that correlated with the quality of life of the implanted children were the child's older age at the evaluation, the better hearing and language skills, the mother's level of schooling and the family receptiveness.