A comparison of the quality of life of parents of children using hearing aids and those using cochlear implants

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of parents of children who use hearing aids (HA) with those who use cochlear implants (CI) in the Indian context and document any differences found. METHODS: The Kannada version of the AQoL-4D was administered in a modified fashion to 131 parents (87 HA and 44 CI). Sociodemographic details were collected for supplemental information on the intervention strategy used. RESULTS: A total of 49 parents (29 HA and 20 CI) responded to the questionnaire sent. The mean total scores for both the groups were similar (HA group = 17.9 (SD = 5.5), CI group = 17.2 (SD = 3.4)), as was the score for the first subscale (HA group = 8.6 (SD = 2.9); CI group = 8.5 (SD = 2.6)) of the AQoL-4D. No significant differences were found between the two groups on either scores [Total Score: U (N(HA) = 29, N(CI) = 20) = 280.5, z = −0.194, p > 0.05; Subscale 1 Score: U (N(HA) = 29, N(CI) = 20) = 281.5, z = −0.176, p > 0.05]. The degree of hearing loss in the hearing aid group was equivalent to that of the cochlear implant group but this did not appear to influence parental quality of life. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with hearing aids and cochlear implants appear to be similar on several psychosocial factors in the realms of functional, social, and psychological well-being. In terms of parental quality of life, hearing aids and cochlear implants appear to be equally effective intervention techniques.