Investigating the Impacts of Cochlear Implantation on the Happiness and Self-Esteem of Mothers of Children with Severe Hearing Loss

Abstract

Children with severe hearing loss often struggle to communicate. Mothers of children with hearing loss may also suffer psychologically in their caregiving due to this communication barrier. Cochlear implant surgery improves child’s hearing sense, parent and children’s psychological well-being, and communication between children and their mothers. The aim of the present study is to compare happiness and self-esteem among the mothers of children with severe hearing loss before and after cochlear implantation. This cross sectional study was conducted with 40 mothers of children under the age of 7 with severe hearing loss, all of who were candidates for cochlear implant surgery in Imam Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. A consecutive non-probabilistic sampling method was used. Mothers of children awaiting cochlear implantation completed the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory before and after their child’s surgery, in addition to a demographic information form. Paired t tests and Wilcoxon tests were used. A significant difference was observed between the happiness and self-esteem scores before and after surgery (p < 0.001). Cochlear implantation surgery increases happiness and self-esteem in mothers of children with hearing loss. When a child with hearing loss goes through cochlear implant surgery, all family members will benefit from improved hearing in their child and thus, improved family communication overall.