EXPERIENCE OF STAGES OF COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION BY MOTHERS OF DEAF CHILDREN

We present the results of qualitative research on mothers' experiences of stages of cochlear implantation. The research covers all stages from suspicion on a hearing disorder to sustainable results of rehabilitation. On each stage, we have highlighted key features of the experience and factors hampering or facilitating the process. Factors hampering the process include improper diagnosis presentation, fears of the child's health deteriorating as a result of surgery, lack of qualified rehabilitation supervision, and unrealistic expectations during the rehabilitation. Factors facilitating the process include proper diagnosis presentation, emotional support within the family, adequate rehabilitation, success during lengthy rehabilitation, etc. The results show that living through all the stages of cochlear implantation is a critical life situation that requires mothers to change their values and interpretations. We revealed that parents whose children go through cochlear implantation are highly traumatized, the trauma is especially related to the stages of diagnosis establishment and rehabilitation, the latter of which is linked with expectations of positive results of this gradual process.