In Brief:
This study explored subjective ratings of chronic fatigue by children with cochlear implants and their parents, and the relation between fatigue and language and literacy skills. Nineteen children with cochlear implants in grades 3 through 6 and one of their parents separately completed a subjective fatigue scale. Additionally, children completed measures of speech perception, language, reading, and spelling. Children and parents reported different levels of chronic fatigue. Taken as a whole, results suggested that parents under-estimate the fatigue experienced by children with cochlear implants. Child report of physical fatigue was robustly related to language and literacy skills. Children with cochlear implants are likely more accurate at reporting physical fatigue than cognitive fatigue. Clinical practice should take fatigue into account when developing treatment plans for children with cochlear implants.
