Coming to a Decision About Cochlear Implantation: Parents Making Choices for their Deaf Children
- Merv Hyde,
- Renée Punch and
- Correspondence should be sent to Renée Punch, School of Education and Professional Studies, Griffith University, Gold Coast
Campus, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia (e-mail: r.punch{at}griffith.edu.au).
- Received November 23, 2009.
- Revision received January 6, 2010.
- Accepted January 7, 2010.
Abstract
This study combined quantitative and qualitative methods in a sequential approach to investigate the experiences of parents
making decisions about cochlear implants for their deaf children. Quantitative findings from a survey instrument completed
by 247 parents were extended and elaborated by qualitative findings from in-depth interviews with 27 of the survey respondents.
Although parents used a variety of information sources when considering an implant, cochlear implant centers and doctors comprised
their major source of information. Most parents found the decision-making process difficult and stressful, but a proportion
reported finding the decision easy, believing that there was no other option for their child, and were keen for implantation
to proceed as soon as possible. Implications for professionals working with families are discussed.
making decisions about cochlear implants for their deaf children. Quantitative findings from a survey instrument completed
by 247 parents were extended and elaborated by qualitative findings from in-depth interviews with 27 of the survey respondents.
Although parents used a variety of information sources when considering an implant, cochlear implant centers and doctors comprised
their major source of information. Most parents found the decision-making process difficult and stressful, but a proportion
reported finding the decision easy, believing that there was no other option for their child, and were keen for implantation
to proceed as soon as possible. Implications for professionals working with families are discussed.
