Information about support services for families of young children with hearing loss: A review of some useful outcomes and challenges

Abstract

This paper is concerned with reviewing some useful effects of information about support services provided to families of young children with hearing loss and the challenges of providing this information to families. Evidence indicates that 95 per cent of young children with hearing loss have hearing parents. With no previous experience of hearing loss, these families are faced with numerous challenges in raising these children. They require timely and unbiased information that could enable them to respond appropriately to their emotional reactions to the diagnosis of hearing loss, participate actively in early intervention and educational programmes for their children, and collaborate effectively with professionals. Evidence indicates that families of young children with hearing loss may not receive such information. The implication of this as well as some strategies that could be explored to ensure that these families receive timely information about the developmental needs of their children are considered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The parents’ perspective of the early diagnostic period of their child with hearing loss: information and support

“…These findings were also supported in the Roberts et al (2015) study where some parents reported “feeling pushed by professionals who appeared to have their own biased agenda” (p.947). Given the significant role professional influence plays in this process, it is therefore imperative that audiologists, and other health professionals, provide parents with comprehensive and accuate information regarding all habilitation options (Bekker et al, 1999; Marteau et al, 2001), without any undue bias (Eleweke et al, 2008) thereby allowing parents to make an informed decision regarding their child’s early intervention (Moeller et al, 2013). When making an informed decision, parents must consider two important principles: (1) the decision should be a reflection of the individual’s values; and (2) the decision should be based on relevant and quality information.…”

“…As well as the need for adequate and accurate information, parents also need to be provided with appropriate emotional support during the potentially difficult time of diagnosis (Eleweke et al, 2008). Participants in both phases of the present study reported feeling overwhelmed at the time of diagnosis, with a range of emotions expressed that are typical of the feelings experienced by parents as they move through a cycle of grief (Kampfe, 1989; Kurtzer-White & Luterman, 2003).…”

“…Participants in both phases of the present study reported feeling overwhelmed at the time of diagnosis, with a range of emotions expressed that are typical of the feelings experienced by parents as they move through a cycle of grief (Kampfe, 1989; Kurtzer-White & Luterman, 2003). The importance of parent support in these early stages of diagnosis has been well documented (Eleweke, et al, 2008; Gilliver et al, 2013; Kampfe, 1989; Kurtzer-White & Luterman, 2003; Russ, et al, 2004). With this in mind, professionals must be trained in delivering information in an empathetic, open, and respectful manner, and must be prepared to take on a counselling role within their scope of practice (Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, 2013; Luterman & Kurtzer-White, 1999).…”

Parent Perceptions of Audiology and Speech–Language Services and Support for Young Children With Cochlear Implants

“…Parents may need professional support as they shape their expectations for their child's progress as well as for the expectations of other family members regarding life with a deaf family member (Spahn, Richter, Burger, Lohle, Wirsching, 2003). These are needs for support that many hearing parents of deaf children have regardless of the communication options and aids they select, such as sign language, hearing aids, cued speech or cochlear implants (Eleweke, Gilbert, Bays, & Austin, 2008;Jackson, Traub, & Turnbull, 2008;Jackson, Wegner, & Turnbull, 2010;Meadow, 1980). Whereas there is evidence that parents of deaf children need support, there remain questions about parents' needs for support given that many of them have successively, and in a short period of time experienced: the diagnosis of deafness, the decision-making and candidacy process for a CI, and their child's surgery.…”

“…(Meadow-Orlans et al, 2003;Nicholas & Geers, 2006). Researchers consistently emphasize the importance of professionals' roles in guiding, supporting, and informing parents regarding the progress of deaf children, including not only hearing, but functioning in their daily environments as well (DesJardin et al, 2006;Eleweke et al, 2008;Incesulu et al, 2003;Zaidman-Zait & Most, 2005).…”