Comparison of Social Skills in Hard-of-Hearing Children with Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants in Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Using advanced hearing amplification devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants (CI) may have multiple effects on different aspects of life of individuals with hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to compare social skills in 6-9-year-old children with CI with those with hearing aids. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY) and Test of Language Development (TOLD-3) were used to evaluate social behaviors and language development in 118 children with hearing impairment (58 with CI and 60 with hearing aids) in Shiraz, Iran. The collected data were analyzed using MANCOVA. Results: By controlling the language development level, the results showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of social skills (P < 0.001). Children with CI showed more appropriate social skills (P < 0.001) and lower aggression (P < 0.001), but more difficulties in peer relationships than those with hearing aids (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Children with CI experience more problems in peer relationships, and educational and treatment interventions are necessary in this regard.

Keywords

• Hard-of-hearing
• Social skills
• Hearing aids
• Cochlear implant
• Peer relationship