Knowledge, experience and practice of SLTs regarding (re)habilitation in deaf children with cochlear implants
Knowledge, experience and practice of SLTs regarding (re)habilitation in deaf children with cochlear implants
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, experience and practices of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in
Greece regarding children with cochlear implants.
Methods: A special designed questionnaire was originally completed electronically by 313 SLTs via
surveymonkey platform.
Results: From the 313 respondents 35% had worked with implanted children, 37% received course
training and 44% had participated in post-graduate seminars. Although 96% believe that there are
differences in the management of these children, almost 47% of the participants did not have adequate
knowledge on the candidacy criteria for implantation and 70% regarding the available technology for
implanted children. Knowledge and skills on CI were better for those SLTs who worked with hearingimpairment.
Diverse practice models were noted. Interestingly, more than 87% of the participants
advocated toward further training and supervision in the field, even the ones who had less than
extensive knowledge in working with CI. As for practice, a lack of organizational interdisciplinary
structure became evident.
Conclusions: There is a growing need for well organized professional training and team networks for SLTs
in order for them to further improve their knowledge and service delivery to implanted children.
Speech and language therapist
Cochlear implant
Rehabilitation
Knowledge
Education
Logopedic
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, experience and practices of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in
Greece regarding children with cochlear implants.
Methods: A special designed questionnaire was originally completed electronically by 313 SLTs via
surveymonkey platform.
Results: From the 313 respondents 35% had worked with implanted children, 37% received course
training and 44% had participated in post-graduate seminars. Although 96% believe that there are
differences in the management of these children, almost 47% of the participants did not have adequate
knowledge on the candidacy criteria for implantation and 70% regarding the available technology for
implanted children. Knowledge and skills on CI were better for those SLTs who worked with hearingimpairment.
Diverse practice models were noted. Interestingly, more than 87% of the participants
advocated toward further training and supervision in the field, even the ones who had less than
extensive knowledge in working with CI. As for practice, a lack of organizational interdisciplinary
structure became evident.
Conclusions: There is a growing need for well organized professional training and team networks for SLTs
in order for them to further improve their knowledge and service delivery to implanted children.
Speech and language therapist
Cochlear implant
Rehabilitation
Knowledge
Education
Logopedic