Support Desired by Parents of Infants With Hearing Impairments Diagnosed Through Newborn Hearing Screening: A...

Objective We aimed to highlight problems faced by parents of infants diagnosed with hearing impairment upon newborn hearing screening (NHS) and to suggest how support might be improved. Methods We distributed a questionnaire to explore difficulties encountered by parents when seeking support, whether they were satisfied with the support, and their unmet needs. We enrolled 101 parents of infants with hearing impairments diagnosed upon NHS (hearing levels: 7.0-105.0 dB, mean: 51.5 dB, standard deviation: 27.7 dB). The results were compared by hearing level, current child age, and residential area. Results Only 46 (46%) parents were satisfied with the support received, and nine (27%) of those whose children exhibited normal hearing were moderately dissatisfied. Medical care was viewed as good, but administrative support was seen as poor; financial assistance was lacking, and regional disparities were apparent. The hearing levels of children whose parents were dissatisfied with total support were statistically significantly lower than those of children whose parents were satisfied (p = 0.0263). Since the quality of medical care has been improving year by year, it may be inferred that, as a result, parents of more recently born children are more satisfied with their medical support. Parents of children with poor hearing levels were more satisfied with educational support than others, perhaps because their children attended special schools. Conclusions There is a need to address issues perceived by parents of children with hearing impairments. The support available, and ways to access that support, must be clarified. Regional disparities in support policies and education must be eliminated, and support requires more human resources.