Background: This study investigated health-related quality of life outcomes for children with cochlear implants in India using the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory questionnaire. Cochlear implantation is associated with improved language outcomes. Some studies show this gives higher quality of life after implantation. Previous research demonstrates that India presents unique circumstances that impact perspectives regarding cochlear implantation.
Method: Children (aged under 18 years) who had undergone cochlear implantation were recruited from Vani Pradan Kendra, an organisation for individuals with hearing loss based in Bangalore, India. Demographic data including age, sex, duration of hearing loss and age at implant were collected, and the children's parents or caregivers completed the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory questionnaire.
Results: Sixty-nine children (mean age: 8.0 ± 3.89 years) were recruited, and all reported improved quality of life after cochlear implantation. There was no effect of age, gender or education on reported benefits. However, a younger age at implant and longer experience with an implant were associated with greater quality of life improvements.
Conclusion: Cochlear implantation leads to improved quality of life, with greater improvements associated with earlier implantation. This supports early intervention in children with profound hearing loss.
Keywords: Child; Cochlear Implantation; Follow-Up Studies; Health Status; Hearing Loss; Learning; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Patient Satisfaction; Quality Of Life; Retrospective Studies; Surveys And Questionnaires.