Objective: The purpose of this study was to make a quantitative comparison of parameters of self-esteem and social well-being between children with cochlear implants and normal-hearing children. Material and methods: Data were obtained from 164 children with cochlear implant (CI) and 2169 normal-hearing children (NH). Parental questionnaires, used in a national survey assessing the self-esteem and well-being of normal-hearing children, were applied to the cochlear implanted group, in order to allow direct comparisons. Results: The children in the CI group rated significantly higher on questions about well-being in kindergarten/school and the CI boys appeared to manage school work better than normal-hearing boys. CI children were significantly more active and bullied other children less than normal-hearing peers, whereas no difference existed as to being bullied by other children. No difference was obtained regarding overall self-esteem or number of friends. The two groups of children scored similarly on being confident, independent, social, not worried and happy. Conclusion: Children with cochlear implant score equal to or better than their normal-hearing peers on matters of self-esteem and social well-being. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved
Udgivelsesdato: 2008/7