Cochlear implantation for a child with cochlear nerve deficiency: parental perspectives explored through narrative.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore, from the parents' perspectives, decision-making regarding a cochlear implant (CI) for their child when a favourable outcome is less likely because of abnormal neurophysiology.

DESIGN: The primary research method of this single case study was qualitative interviewing drawing on a narrative approach to elicit the parents' perspectives about their experiences over time. Each parent was interviewed separately, but thematic analyses were undertaken both within and across interviews in order to identify overlaps and differences.

STUDY SAMPLE: Participants included the parents of a five-year old child with severe-profound hearing loss, cochlear nerve deficiency, and bilateral common cavities who had received a CI at the age of 18 months.

RESULTS: Four themes were identified across the four narrative stages that emerged from the parents' accounts of their experiences regarding their daughter's CI. Themes included hope and despair, questioning professionals' motivations, does deafness need a cure, and bringing the child into the family. Although these themes emerged from both parents' accounts, each parent expressed different perspectives and insights within them.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the central place of parental needs and perspectives in decision-making regarding a CI, particularly in the context of uncertain outcomes.