Identifying hearing loss: parents' needs

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Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
09:44

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Published on: January 25, 2016

D Luterman1, E Kurtzer-White

  • 1Emerson College, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Boston, MA, USA.

American Journal of Audiology
|September 28, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Parents of children with hearing loss desire early detection and a comprehensive management program. Key elements include unbiased information, sufficient processing time, and empathetic audiology counseling for optimal outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Audiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Universal neonatal hearing screening is rapidly expanding due to mandates and technology.
  • Early identification of infant hearing impairment significantly impacts families and audiologists.
  • Parental perspectives on early detection and subsequent management are largely unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To survey parents of children with hearing loss about their experiences with early detection.
  • To identify key components of a comprehensive management program from the parental viewpoint.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective survey of 75 parents with children diagnosed with hearing loss.
  • A five-item questionnaire assessing parental perspectives on the early detection process and management.

Main Results:

  • Parents emphasized the importance of initial parent contact and unbiased information.
  • Sufficient time to process complex information was identified as crucial.
  • Counseling from a skilled and empathic audiologist was highlighted as a key element.

Conclusions:

  • Parental feedback is vital for refining neonatal hearing screening protocols.
  • Effective audiology counseling and support are essential for families of infants with hearing loss.
  • Professional training should incorporate patient-centered communication and empathy.

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