Background:

the studies published on the results of the Cuban Cochlear Implants Program refer to audiological and surgical evaluations, lacking the dimension that knowing about the impact of cochlear implants on the quality of life of children and their family.

Objective:

to determine the impact in the Cuban Cochlear Implants Program on the quality of life of children and their family.

Methods:

it was carried out a descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study (pre- and post-cochlear implant) from the application of a quality of life questionnaire of the international pediatric project cochlear pediatric implanted recipient observational study and the categories auditory performance test, being applied an analysis of variance of repeated measures.

Results:

the study shows that cochlear implants impact on the quality of life of children and family, and improves significantly as early as six months post-cochlear implant, with greater benefits one year after implantation, supported by the findings of the categories auditory performance test. While parental expectations are adjusted as post-cochlear implant rehabilitation progresses.

Conclusions:

cochlear implants impact on the quality of life of the child and family with the post-implant rehabilitation program progresses, adjusting the expectations of the parents or child's guardian, who report positive changes in the development of their daily activities, a sustained effect in the time.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )