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PEDIATRICIANS' KNOWLEDGE OF, EXPERIENCE WITH, AND COMFORT LEVELS FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS IN CHILDREN

Department of Communication Disorders, Auburn University

Jeffrey L. Danhauer

Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara

Address for correspondence to: Carole E. Johnson, Ph.D., Au.D., Department of Communication Disorders; 1199 Haley Center, Auburn University, AL 36849. (334) 844-9603. Fax: (334) 844-4585. E-mail: johns19{at}auburn.edu

Purpose: Pediatricians (Peds) are vital to early hearing detection and intervention programs(EHDIPs) and influence families' decisions/compliance with recommendations for their children having hearing loss. Peds need current, accurate knowledge about diagnostics and treatments including cochlear implants (CIs). This study assessed Peds' knowledge about, experience with, and comfort levels for CIs in children.

Method: Two-hundred-twenty Peds surveyed in Alabama self-selected their participation by returning postal questionnaires.

Results: Twenty-six questionnaires were usable (nine undeliverable; three unusable); return rate = 13.7%. The results were consistent with other studies. All respondents focused on pediatrics; most were medical homes experienced with children having sensorineural hearing loss. Less than half had counseled families about CIs, but had patients using them. Over half had not recommended CIs in five years. Several were unsure about current EHDIP goals and CIs in children. Over half were completely uncomfortable determining children's CI candidacy, but were comfortable referring them to specialists. About a third were completely uncomfortable discussing CIs with and counseling families about them; most were comfortable with CIs being used in children over other habilitative options.

Conclusions: These Peds demonstrated deficits in current, accurate knowledge about EHDIPs and CIs in children. Audiologists should help them obtain needed information.

Key Words: Children, Cochlear Implants, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs, Outreach, Pediatricians, Survey, Questionnaire

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