Evaluation of communication skills of bilateral cochlear implant user children aged 0-12 years and measurement of quality of life of their parents

A cochlear implant makes it possible for individuals to hear, distinguish and understand sounds, thus improving their ability to communicate with the outside world. Cochlear implant users can improve their communication skills thanks to the implant. Especially for children, cochlear implants at an early age play a critical role in speech and language development. Children begin to understand the sounds they receive from their environment, which increases their social interactions. Families can observe that as their children improve their communication skills, they become more active in social settings and build better relationships with their peers. However, the effectiveness of the implant can vary between individuals. Some children may begin to understand sounds shortly after cochlear implant surgery, while others may have a longer adaptation period. This is due to individual differences and shows that each child's learning process is unique. In our study, two separate questionnaires were administered to the parents of children with bilateral cochlear implants. These questionnaires aimed to assess the communication skills of the children and the general quality of life of their parents. The benefits of a cochlear implant are not limited to its users; families are also significantly affected by this process. By observing the improvement in their children's communication skills thanks to the implant, parents play an important role in enabling them to participate more actively in social life. Parents' quality of life also changes positively as their child begins to hear voices. As parents communicate more effectively with their child, family bonds are strengthened and overall happiness in the home environment increases. The cochlear implant is a turning point for individuals with hearing loss. The benefits in both individual and social life significantly improve the quality of life of implant users. However, the cochlear implant and the subsequent adaptation process varies from individual to individual. Therefore, it is of great importance to create rehabilitation programs customized to the needs of each user. In conclusion, cochlear implants offer an important development opportunity not only for individuals with hearing loss, but also for their families. Improved communication skills and quality of life are made possible by cochlear implants.