Cochlear implantation at a young age in congenitally deaf children renders almost ordinary language development. Improvements in children′s functioning after implantation are visible, specifically in their spoken language and communication ability. However, the rehabilitation technique following pediatric cochlear implantation relies greatly on parental involvement in some critical dimensions.

The present study determined maternal sensitivity using a parental questionnaire administered to parents of 205 children who have undergone Cochlear implant surgery and aural rehabilitation. This questionnaire was given through telephone monitoring interviews and a face-to-face interview.

The study observed-

• A significant difference between parental questionnaires regarding auditory and speech outcome measures.
• A significant effect of maternal education and age of implantation on parental sensitiveness score and auditory and speech outcome scores.
• No significant correlation between implant ages, number of siblings with parental sensitiveness, and CAP & SIR score. 

This study shows that maternal sensitiveness or responsiveness towards cochlear implant recipients, higher maternal education, implantation within a critical period, and demographic variables such as family structure held significant effects on auditory and speech development in cochlear implant recipients.

Kamala S, et al. Effect of Maternal Sensitiveness and Demographic Variables on Auditory and Speech Outcomes in Pediatric Cochlear Implant Users-Prospective Study. Pediatr Neonat biol 2022, 7(2): 000166.