An Analysis of Quality of Life in Hearing-Impaired Children Using Different Hearing Intervention Strategies

QI Xin; ZHANG Jishuai; ZHANG Shanshan; YANG Ying; LIU Shuo; DAI Pu; SY Yu

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-2922.2024.01.022

Abstract：Objective To report quality of life outcomes in hearing impaired children using different strategies of hearing intervention.Methods This cross-sectional study included 101 children with congenital profound sensorineural deafness who received cochlear implants(CI)at the Hainan Hospital of the PLA General Hospital and underwent audio-logical rehabilitation at the Hainan Rehabilitation Guidance Center for the Disabled after CI activation and program-ming from December 2012 to December 2020.Quality of life was evaluated using ther Mandarin version of the Chil-dren with Cochlear Implants:Parental Perspectives.A general information questionnaire designed by the project was used to collect demographic,audiological and family history data.Quality of life outcomes were compared among chil-dren receiving bilateral CIs(n=31),bilateral CI + hearing aids(n=37)or unilateral CIs(n=33)in four age groups:i.e.1-2 years,3-4 years,5-7 years and over 7 years.Results Quality of life scores showed statistically significant difference among the three treatment modalities for children 1-2 years old(F=3.681,P=0.039)and those that were 5-7 years old(F =5.851,P=0.009).For children 3-4 years of age,statistically significant differences were noticed in the communication category among the three intervention modalities(F=4.655,P=0.019);and for those over 7 years of age,statistically sig-nificant differences were noticed in communication,essential functions,education and satisfaction with implantation categories(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss performed well in communication,essential functions,education and implant satisfaction after bilateral cochlear implantations,especial-ly after the age of 7 years.