Evaluation of sensory, cognitive and emotional perception skills of children using auditory brainstem i̇mplants

The aim of this thesis study is to evaluate the sensory, cognitive, and emotional perception skills as well as communication skills of children with auditory brainstem implants. For this purpose, the study had included 35 children using ABI aged between 6 and 13, along with their parents. Participants were divided into three groups based on their implant usage status: Unilateral ABI, Bilateral ABI, and CI + ABI. "Perceptual Skills Scale (PSS)" was used to assess perception skills, and "The Functioning after Pediatric Cochlear Implantation (FAPCI)" scale was used to evaluate communication skills. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 software with a significance level of 0.05. Accordingly, no statistically significant differences were found among the scores obtained from the three sub-dimensions of the PSS among the three groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed among the scores obtained from the FAPCI scale among the three groups (p > 0.05). Statistically significant correlations were found between the scores obtained from the PSS and FAPCI scales (p < 0.05). Furthermore, statistically significant differences were observed between the communication methods and school status of the participants and the results obtained from the PSS and FAPCI scales (p < 0.05). The differences, challenges, and developmental outcomes encountered during the rehabilitation and follow-up process in children using ABIs align with the findings of this study. As further as we know, this study is the first to assess three different perceptual dimensions and communication skills of children using ABIs. It highlights the importance of considering the development of sensory, cognitive, and emotional perception skills, as well as communication skills in the follow-up and intervention programs of these special children. Keywords: Auditory Brainstem İmplants, Sensory Perception, Cognitive Perception, Emotional Perception, Communication Skills