Parental Competence as a Teacher in the Auditory Development of Children with Cochlear Implants

Abstract

The number of children with partial or total hearing loss is increasing every day, and most of them are undergoing cochlear implant surgery. The paper aims to assess the teaching competence of parents of children with cochlear implants. The study took one year (2022) in 1 [Almaty, Kazakhstan] kindergarten and 1 specialized school. Twenty-four parents of children (mean age 3.5 ± 0.5 years) and 20 parents of children of primary school age (10.0 ± 0.5 years) who underwent surgery at the age of 1-2 and 6-9 years were included in the study. A minimal number of parents had a high level of competence; sufficient competence was noticed among the two times larger number of parents; however, most of the parents had insufficient competence. The indicators of children were as follows: 3 children had a high level of listening perception; twice as many of them had a sufficient level; the same number had an insufficient level. There were more children with a low level, 3 times more than with a high level. A high level of pedagogical competence of parents correlated with a high level of children's auditory verbal abilities (on the scale of auditory ability integration). There was also a direct relationship with the level of speech development (on the scale of speech use) for children who had the surgery a year earlier. The obtained data can apply to the educational process for children with cochlear implants to improve their auditory and speech skills as quickly as possible. The involvement of parents in the education and rehabilitation of children with cochlear implants is crucial for the successful adaptation and development of the child. Parents can become irreplaceable partners of specialists and educational institutions, providing their children with optimal support and assistance on their way to the development of auditory and communication skills. To enhance parental competence in the area of auditory development of children with cochlear implants, it is recommended to participate in specialized educational programs designed for parents, offered by professionals and organizations. Additionally, actively engaging with educational resources, online materials, and informational communities is beneficial for acquiring up-to-date knowledge and receiving support from other parents, specialists, and experts.

Keywords: Children; Cochlear implants; Competence; Deaf education; Hearing and speech abilities; Parents, speech therapists.