The effects of a cochlear implant on the family of a hearing-impaired child.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a cochlear implant on the family of a hearing-impaired child. A single family was interviewed to answer these research questions: How does the family adapt initially to hearing impairment?, What are the family's concerns before, during, and after the implantation?, and How does the family accept and adjust to the outcomes of the procedure?

METHODS

Immediate family members (mother, father, and child) of the child receiving a cochlear implant were interviewed individually three times: before, during, and after implantation using an investigator-designed interview guide. The child's behavior was also observed during a speech therapy session before and after completion of the implantation.

FINDINGS: The findings reflect several common themes concerning ambivalence, excitement, fear, anxiety, impatience, and transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

The family choosing cochlear implantation progressed through several phases of adaptive responses from before to after the procedure. Implications for nurses working with families during this process are identified.