Successful integration of cochlear-implanted children in regular school system

Abstract

Until June 2002, 143 children from the age of 6 months up to 14 years were implanted with a MED-EL cochlear implant at the ENT University Department Vienna. Aim of this study was to evaluate integration of these children in regular school system, their development and success in school, support from school and other institutions or parents and their social environment. The data were collected by questionnaires. Parents were interviewed on the phone and with their consent postal questionnaires were sent to the teachers. 62.5% of our children at school age attend regular school. Teachers state that more than 50% of the cochlear-implanted children perform equal or better than the average of the class with regard to attention, collaboration in class, fitting into the community and school performance. Further, they are extremely well integrated in class. All results show that the children profit from their implant in school and also in their social behaviour and competence.