Rehabilitation Efforts and Stress in Parents of Children With Cochlear Implants

• DOI: 10.1375/audi.32.1.1
• Publication Date: 2010-08-02T11:12:53Z
• Authors: Renee Punch; Merv Hyde
• Keywords: stress; 03 medical and health sciences; cochlear implants; children; FoR 1103 (Clinical Sciences); parents; 0305 other medical science; 300

This mixed methods study investigated the impact on Australian families of decisionmaking process and ongoing (re)habilitation demands their children's cochlear implantation.Quantitative results from a survey 247 parents found that experienced stress related to decision-making rehabilitation processes at significantly higher levels than they had expected pre-implant.Multiple regression analysis identified factors were predictive parents' experiences efforts stress.Qualitative data interviews with 27 respondents elaborated quantitative findings provided insights into families' lives, identifying greatest problem areas potential stressors for parents.Implications recommendations professionals working are drawn findings.