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ABSTRACT
The communication journey of a child with hearing loss is often a complex, interwoven process in which the child's use of language or method of communication may change numerous times. As there has been limited research exploring the caregiver decision-making process behind making such changes, this qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the factors which influence the caregiver decision making-process to change the communication method of their child with hearing loss. Individual semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with seven caregivers of children with hearing loss in Australia. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes which influenced caregiver decisions regarding changes to their child's method of communication, including: (1) family characteristics; (2) family access to information; (3) family strengths; (4) family beliefs; and (5) family-centered practice. The overall finding that the family unit is at the core of decision-making has important clinical implications regarding early intervention professionals’ provision of family-centered services when working with the families of children with hearing loss.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes on contributors
Dr Nerina Scarinci is Head of Speech Pathology in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland, Australia. Nerina's research focuses on the application of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and family-centred care (FCC) principles for individuals with communication disability and their family members. Nerina has a special interest in improving communication outcomes for children with hearing loss, and children with language delay.
Monica Gehrke is a speech pathologist currently working in private practice with children with communication disorders in Queensland, Australia. She is a graduate of The University of Queensland.
Dr Teresa Y. C. Ching is Head of Communication Sciences Department at the National Acoustic Laboratories, Australia. Her current research focuses on investigating efficacy of early intervention for populations of children with bilateral hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss, identifying factors affecting outcomes, determining sound discrimination ability in infants with hearing loss or auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cortical auditory evoked potential measurements and behavioral responses, evaluating effectiveness of amplification, devising methods for prescribing hearing aids and electric-acoustic stimulation (bimodal fitting) for children and adults, and exploring perspectives of professionals and families on management of hearing loss in young children.
Vivienne Marnane is a researcher in the Communication Sciences Department at the National Acoustic Laboratories, with qualifications in speech pathology and epidemiology. She is currently involved in research investigating the efficacy of early intervention and amplification, and the factors that affect short- and longterm outcomes for paediatric populations with hearing loss, including those with unilateral hearing loss.
Laura Button is a research Speech Pathologist, and Speech Pathology Manager in the Communication Sciences Department at the National Acoustic Laboratories. She is involved in the research teams investigating the outcomes of children with hearing loss, family experiences, and alternate delivery models.