Children in regional, rural and remote areas have less access to services than those living in urban areas. Practitioners serving children with a hearing loss have attempted to address this gap, however there are few studies investigating service access and experiences of non-metropolitan families and professionals. This systematic review evaluates the literature on service provision to children with a hearing loss living in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. A search of five databases, the gray literature and a prominent author located 37 relevant documents. The journal articles were rated for quality and the findings of all documents were themed. The evidence from this review indicates that children with a hearing loss living in regional, rural and remote Australia experience reduced quality and frequency of service. Further investigation is needed to identify the accessibility and suitability of services for children with a hearing loss in non-metropolitan areas.

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The present study investigated the conversational skills of a group of 18 children (aged 6 to 16 years) with severe and profound hearing loss. Participants included both hearing aid users and cochlear implant users. All the children relied upon spoken English and were included in regular classroom settings for at least part of each school day. They were videotaped in conversation with their supporting teacher of the deaf. Results indicated that very few conversational breakdowns occurred in these dyads. Older students were more likely to evenly share the conversational talk time and to initiate conversational turns with their teachers. The youngest participants relied heavily upon simple responses to teacher questions while all participants asked few questions in conversation with their teachers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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ObjectiveTo report satisfaction with services for children with hearing loss in urban and rural Australia.DesignMixed‐method approach using surveys and semi‐structured interviews.SettingAustralian organisations that serve children with hearing loss.ParticipantsOne hundred parents of children with hearing loss and 91 professionals that serve children with hearing loss completed surveys. Seven parents and eight professionals were interviewed.Main outcome measuresComparison of satisfaction with services in rural and urban areas.ResultsTiming of initial hearing services was similar in rural and urban areas. Children with hearing loss in rural areas had less satisfaction with services than children in urban areas. Parents of children with hearing loss in rural areas had higher costs, mainly linked to travel, than parents in urban areas. Parents and professionals were concerned that advantaged parents received more services for their child than disadvantaged parents. Parents and professionals in urban and rural areas were satisfied with mainstream education, but less satisfied with education for children with hearing loss and additional disability. Professional satisfaction was lower in rural areas than urban areas.ConclusionsThis small‐scale study adds to research citing reduced services in rural areas. An exception is the newborn hearing screening program, with the limited data presented indicating the program is effectively overcoming the barrier of distance. However, children with hearing loss in rural areas have reduced access to ongoing services.