Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2006. / Title from title screen (viewed 19 Dec. 2006). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences. Includes bibliographical references. Also issued in print.

Thesis (MSL and HT (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / This study aims to describe the speech processing skills of three children ages 6;0, 6;10 and 8; 10, with cochlear implants. A psycholinguistic framework was used to profile each child’s strengths and weaknesses, using a single case study approach. Each child’s speech processing skills are described based on detailed psycholinguistically-orientated assessments. In addition, retrospective data from 1-2 years post-implantation were examined in the light of the psycholinguistic framework in order to describe each child’s development over time and in relation to time of implantation. Results showed each child to have a unique profile of strengths and weaknesses, and widely varying outcomes in terms of speech processing even though all three children had the same initial difficulty (congenital bilateral hearing loss). Links between speech processing and other aspects of development as well as contextual factors are discussed in relation to outcomes for each child. The case studies contribute to knowledge of speech processing skills in children with cochlear implants, and have clinical implications for those who work with children with cochlear implants and their families.

Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Cochlear implants are electronic devices implanted in the ear, which can give children with severe to profound hearing loss, access to sound and the opportunity to aquire spoken language. Such implants are achieved via a delicate surgical procedure, followed by an intensive rehabilitation program. Parents are intimately involved in this entire process and play a pivotal role in terms of decision-making, the surgery and the child’s language development. Research has shown that this procedure causes increased stress levels in parents, as well as an initial experience of mixed emotions. They also have to consider that some cochlear implants are not successful and thus do not provide all children with access to sound and the possibility of learning spoken language. Parents’ first contact with professional services/persons is generally doctors, ear, nose and throat specialists, audiologists, speech therapists and social workers. Further research shows that the relationship between such professionals and parents is not always satisfactory. As mothers often work closest with professionals, the following research questions arose: How do mothers experience the emotional support they receive during the diagnosis, implantation procedure and rehabilitation, and what are their emotional needs during this time? Because of a lack of literature concerning the role of educational psychologists in this process, a third question arose: What role can the educational psychologist play during the diagnosis of deafness and the cochlear implant process? The purpose of this generic qualitative study, therefore, was to analyze, describe and explain the experience of eight mothers of children with cochlear implants, with regard to support and support needs. The study was conducted within the interpretive paradigm, which guided the qualitative research design. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed. The data analysis was done by using aspects of grounded theory. The findings show that mothers’ experiences of the process were unique, as the situation of each family differed. The eight mothers’ needs for emotional support also differed because of their unique experiences. Furthermore, a lack of support to parents after the rehabilitation process, just before children start primary school, was identified, and it was established that the educational psychologist can play a role in this phase and transition phases. Recommendations were made to improve the support mothers receive from professional services or people.