PP1114 - Cochlear Implants on Hearing-Related Quality-of-Life of Chinese Children in Mainstream Education

Abstract: This study assessed the hearing-related Quality of Life (QoL) of children with cochlear
implants (CIs) in China, and investigated the impact of CI on children and their socio-demographic backgrounds
of their guardians on the hearing-related QoL of children with CIs in the Chinese mainstream education system. Our study suggested that CIs can improve hearing-related QoL in children with pre-lingual or congenital hearing loss entering
the mainstream education system in China. The early age of cochlear implantation was critical for successful long-term auditory development and academic achievement in children with CIs in China.

Summary:

Objectives: This study aimed to 1) assess the hearing-related Quality of Life (QoL) of children with cochlear
implants (CIs) in China and 2) investigate the impact of CI on children and their socio-demographic backgrounds
of their guardians on the hearing-related QoL of children with CIs in the Chinese mainstream education system.

Methods: This study used the Mandarin Children with Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives questionnaire
(MPP), which assessed the communication capability, auditory perception, self-independence, level of happiness
with family, social interaction, academic performance, outcome assessment for CI, and level of family support in
children with CIs. Both univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship
of CI in children and the socio-demographic backgrounds of their guardians with hearing-related QoL in
children with CI.

Result: A total of 124 responses were collected, and they indicated satisfaction and improvement across all aspects
of the MPP Questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed that an earlier age of cochlear implantation (≤3
years old) could improve the communication capabilities, self-independence, social interaction performance, and
academic performance of children with CIs. In addition, children with CI from the urban regions demonstrated
better social interaction performance than that by those from the rural regions of China.

Conclusion: CIs can improve hearing-related QoL in children with pre-lingual or congenital hearing loss entering
the mainstream education system in China. This study showed that early age of cochlear implantation was
critical for successful long-term auditory development and academic achievement in children with CIs in China.
Therefore, healthcare professionals and educators in China should advocate for CI for children with severe
congenital or pre-lingual hearing loss.