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Clinical practice: The approach to the deaf or hard-of-hearing paediatric patient

Anika S Smeijers1, Martina H Ens-Dokkum, Beppie van den Bogaerde

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Spaarne Hospital, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. anika.smeijers@gmail.com

European Journal of Pediatrics
|July 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Deaf and hard-of-hearing children require specialized medical care due to unique communication needs and potential health disparities. Physicians must understand cultural factors and associated risks to provide effective and ethical healthcare.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Audiology
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • Approximately 1 in 1,000 children are born deaf or severely hard-of-hearing, rising to 1.6 per 1,000 in adolescents.
  • Children with hearing loss present unique challenges in medical settings, requiring tailored communication strategies.
  • Healthcare professionals must recognize potential increased risks for comorbidities, abuse, and psychosocial issues in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the communication challenges faced by physicians treating deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
  • To highlight the medical, ethical, and legal considerations in managing these patients.
  • To improve the quality and safety of healthcare for pediatric patients with hearing loss.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pediatric hearing loss and healthcare.
  • Analysis of communication barriers in clinical encounters.
  • Examination of ethical and legal frameworks relevant to informed consent and medical care.

Main Results:

  • Effective communication requires awareness of patients' linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Potential pitfalls include challenges in obtaining informed consent and a higher frequency of medical errors.
  • Increased incidence of comorbidities, sexual abuse, and psychosocial problems necessitates vigilant screening and management.

Conclusions:

  • Physicians need specific training to address the complex needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
  • Understanding cultural nuances and potential health disparities is crucial for successful consultations.
  • Addressing communication barriers and ethical considerations enhances patient safety and satisfaction.

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