Music therapy program for children with cochlear implants

Abstract

Introduction: Cochlear implant (CI) users pass through rehabilitation processes that in- clude developing detection, discrimination, identification and soundunderstanding. Howe- ver, there are few treatment programs created by musictherapists in this particular area. Aim: To describe the characteristics of a music therapy treatment program, designed for children with CI aged 8-10 years old. The program aimed to the development of de- tection, discrimination, identification and understanding of musical sounds.

Material and method: This is a qualitative research, with an exploratory study in which a music therapy assessment tool was applied before and after the intervention. The treatment process consisted of 10 individual sessions for children with CI, aged 8-10 years. The program was conducted in 4 participants of the Research and Informa- tion Center for Hearing Deficiencies (CINDA) at Bogota, Colombia. Results: Participants showed valuable progress in the specific areas covered: de- tection, discrimination, identification and musical soundunderstanding. Qualitatively, it was observed a particular enthusiasm for attending music therapy sessions, this being reported by parents and by the interdisciplinary team responsible of the cases. Basic musical skills and a general awakening for music exploration was developed. Conclusions: The music therapy program and the assessment tool had a positive impact on the rehabilitation of children with CI, it is suggested to implement both of them in a large scale with these patients.