RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, experience and practices of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in Greece regarding children with cochlear implants. METHODS: A special designed questionnaire was originally completed electronically by 313 SLTs via surveymonkey platform. RESULTS: From the 313 respondents 35% had worked with implanted children, 37% received course training and 44% had participated in post-graduate seminars. Although 96% believe that there are differences in the management of these children, almost 47% of the participants did not have adequate knowledge on the candidacy criteria for implantation and 70% regarding the available technology for implanted children. Knowledge and skills on CI were better for those SLTs who worked with hearing-impairment. Diverse practice models were noted. Interestingly, more than 87% of the participants advocated toward further training and supervision in the field, even the ones who had less than extensive knowledge in working with CI. As for practice, a lack of organizational interdisciplinary structure became evident. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing need for well organized professional training and team networks for SLTs in order for them to further improve their knowledge and service delivery to implanted children.