The mental health of paediatric cochlear implant recipients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the mental health of paediatric cochlear implant users and analyse the relationship between six dimensions (movements, cognitive ability, emotion and will, sociality, living habits and language) and hearing and speech rehabilitation.

METHODS

Eighty-two cochlear implant users were assessed using the Mental Health Survey Questionnaire. Age at implantation, time of implant use and listening modes were investigated. Categories of Auditory Performance and the Speech Intelligibility Rating Scale were used to score hearing and speech abilities.

RESULTS

More recipients scored lower in cognitive ability and language. Age at implantation was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for movements, cognitive ability, emotion and will, and language. The time of implant usage and listening mode indicated statistical significance (p < 0.05) in cognitive ability, sociality and language.

CONCLUSION

Timely attention should be paid to the mental health of paediatric cochlear implant users, and corresponding psychological interventions should be implemented to make personalised rehabilitation plans.