Description of the expectations of the families of deaf children users of cochlear implants

Abstract

The possibility of the use of cochlear implants in increasingly younger children emphasizes the need to know the expectations that the families involved have in relation to the equipment and procedure. At the same time it is important to know the impact caused on them. This research aimed to describe the expectations of the families of deaf children users of cochlear implants. Method: This is a qualitative study, using the technique of Collective Subject Discourse – CSD proposed by Lefèvre. The sample consisted of three families of children with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implant users. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, through a closed questionnaire divided in two steps: A – Diagnostics and General Information and B – Expectations of the cochlear implant. The questions were designed in order to investigate the reactions and expectations of the families of cochlear implant users before surgery, as well as the feelings of family members facing the diagnosis of hearing loss. The interviews were recorded and transcribed literally, observing pauses and intonation. Results: After application of the technique of CSD, it was found that: Regarding the diagnosis, all families showed reactions of suffering and frustration when they knew that the child was deaf, the analysis of this information was obtained through interviews of family members, as an example quoted in these words “... it was very sad, because even then you do not have much notion of what is the life of a person who loses his hearing, so for us it was all very new ...” on the expectation the use of cochlear implants: before surgery all family members described anxiety, mainly by lack of knowledge of the post-surgery, which can be seen through the words “... was in doubt if could operate and she gets a problem, said that in a million operations something can happen...” Conclusion: There is a sense of suffering among family members before diagnosis and after confirmation of hearing loss. However there was much satisfaction after experiencing the results.