Introducing music as a means of habilitation for children with cochlear implants

Abstract 

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, methods and the primary results of utilizing music as a means of habilitation of children with cochlear implant. Study Design: A habilitation program based on music training is developed. The results are presented as a case-series. Methods: Music Training Program is introduced as a new habilitation program. Methods of training (based on Orff method) and measuring the outcomes are introduced in this paper. Effects of this program on other habilitation programs and overall hearing related skills of children were also investigated by open questioning of the parents and the habilitation staff. Results: Twenty-three children, (age: 2.5–12.5 years) were selected. All children showed appreciable progress in playing a musical instrument. The effects on other habilitation processes were significant and all parents expressed their satisfaction with the program, as they perceived its benefits. Discussion: The necessity of adding Music Training Program to the routine habilitation may be summarized as follows: Music is a feature of sound, which should be mastered. The psychological effects of being able to accomplish a hearing-related task can add to the self-esteem of children and help prevent and reduce anxiety. Music is a habilitation method: Introducing new concepts of sound, like temporal and frequency-related characteristics, is a crucial part of the habilitation of a child with cochlear implant. Practising new concepts needs motivation, too. We emphasize on using all means of rehabilitation and encourage teaching music to cochlear implant children between 4 and 5 years of age having ∼4 months of experience with cochlear implant.

Keywords:  Cochlear implant, Children, Habilitation, Music, Orff method