Two experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility of direct observational methods in the assessing social interactions between cochlear implant recipients and their families and peers. Using laboratory analogs of parent-child interactions and peer interactions, implanted children and deaf children were videotaped. These videotapes were then coded for specific patterns of behavior. The results established the feasibility of direct observational assessments of deaf children and implant recipients and identified behavioral foci that could serve as effective indices of implant outcome. The study also suggested that the peer entry paradigm may not be suitable for deaf children under the age of 7.