Self-esteem and social well-being of children with cochlear implant compared to normal-hearing children

Summary 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.