Hooper Abbey L, Teagle Holly F B
Department of Audiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
The Hearing House, Auckland, New Zealand.
J R Soc N Z. 2024 Oct 6;55(3):530-546. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2024.2403446. eCollection 2025.
Historically, cochlear implantation is reserved for those with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss. However, indications have expanded to include Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) because of the known benefits of binaural hearing and the limitations of unilateral hearing, especially for children developing linguistic and cognitive skills. This study aimed to provide a qualitative perspective of lived experiences of children with SSD who use a cochlear implant (CI), as perceived and reported by their parents. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to evaluate outcomes of cochlear implantation in children with SSD residing in New Zealand and the United States. Qualitative content analysis of open-ended questions identified themes, including: (1) motivating factors; (2) benefits of amplification; (3) challenges associated with the CI journey; and (4) advice to parents. Parents described benefits and challenges as a result of cochlear implantation, such as access to sound and academic and psychosocial development, as well as subjective improvements in spatial hearing, reduced listening fatigue, enhanced academic performance, and changes in quality of life. The difference that bilateral hearing makes to a child's development is difficult to precisely define but parental insights offer valuable perspective to healthcare providers when considering what some consider an elective procedure.
从历史上看，人工耳蜗植入术仅适用于双侧重度至极重度听力损失患者。然而，由于双耳听力的已知益处以及单侧听力的局限性，尤其是对正在发展语言和认知技能的儿童而言，其适应症已扩大到包括单侧耳聋（SSD）。本研究旨在从家长的认知和报告角度，对使用人工耳蜗（CI）的单侧耳聋儿童的生活经历提供定性观点。我们设计并分发了一份在线问卷，以评估居住在新西兰和美国的单侧耳聋儿童人工耳蜗植入的效果。对开放式问题的定性内容分析确定了以下主题：（1）激励因素；（2）放大的益处；（3）人工耳蜗植入过程中的挑战；以及（4）给家长的建议。家长们描述了人工耳蜗植入带来的益处和挑战，比如获得声音以及学业和心理社会发展，还有空间听力的主观改善；听力疲劳减轻；学业成绩提高；以及生活质量的变化。双侧听力对儿童发育的影响难以精确界定，但家长的见解为医疗服务提供者在考虑某些人认为是选择性手术时提供了有价值的观点。
