Parents’ Reactions and Recommendations After Diagnosis and Hearing Aid Fitting

Abstract

This study was designed to explore parent reactions to the early stages of audiologic assessment and intervention. A total of 213 parents whose children were under the age of 6 years returned a mail survey. Respondents from 45 states participated. Parents were asked to (1) report the approximate age of diagnosis and hearing aid fitting; (2) comment on reasons for any delays encountered from diagnosis to fitting; and (3) respond to questions concerning their reactions to the initial fitting of amplification. The median age of identification was earlier than some previous investigations; however, substantial delays occurred between diagnosis and hearing aid fitting. Reasons for delay included the need for further audiologic evaluation, problems obtaining return appointments, illness of the child, and difficulties obtaining adequate earmolds. Parent reactions to hearing aids, once fitted, included concerns about appearance and questions about maintenance and use, but attitudes regarding hearing aids and their perceived benefits improved over time.

The ages of suspicion, identification, amplification and intervention in children with hearing loss

“…In 2002, these intervals were reported to be 5.58, 2.14, and 4.74 months by another investigator group [4]. In the article of Sjoblad et al [22], the interval between identification and hearing aid fitting was reported to be 8 months.…”

Qualitative analysis of parents’ experience with receiving the news of the detection of their child's hearing loss

“…In previous studies, parents have also expressed some dissatisfaction regarding timely access to pediatric audiology services during the initial identification stage [9]. In a study designed to explore parental reactions to the early stages of audiological assessment and intervention [26] the most frequent suggestion in order to reduce the delay until diagnosis and intervention was that priority appointments be given to families with children with suspected significant hearing loss.…”

Challenges in the detection and intervention of childhood deafness: Experience from a developing country

“…[34] In the article of Sjoblad et al, the interval was reported to be 8 months. [38] We have also noticed an undue delay in the amplification by putting hearing aid to those who have detected to have deafness with a mean age of 29.28 months. The average delay after confirmation was 4.46 months ( Table 2).…”