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J Am Acad Audiol 2017; 28(08): 718-730
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.16079
Articles
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pediatric Hearing Aid Management: Challenges among Hispanic Families

Ana Caballero
*   Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, UT
,
Karen Muñoz
*   Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, UT
†   National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Utah State University, Logan, UT
,
Karl White
†   National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Utah State University, Logan, UT
‡   Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
,
Lauri Nelson
*   Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, UT
,
Melanie Domenech-Rodriguez
‡   Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
,
Michael Twohig
‡   Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 June 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Background:

Hearing aid fitting in infancy has become more common in the United States as a result of earlier identification of hearing loss. Consistency of hearing aid use is an area of concern for young children, as well as other hearing aid management challenges parents encounter that may contribute to less-than-optimal speech and language outcomes. Research that describes parent hearing aid management experiences of Spanish-speaking Hispanic families, or the extent of their needs, is not available. To effectively support parent learning, in a culturally sensitive manner, providers may benefit from having a better understanding of the needs and challenges Hispanic families experience with hearing aid management.

Purpose:

The purpose of the current study was to describe challenges with hearing aid management and use for children from birth to 5 yr of age, as reported by Spanish-speaking parents in the United States, and factors that may influence hearing aid use.

Research Design:

This study used a cross-sectional survey design.

Study Sample:

Forty-two Spanish-speaking parents of children up to 5 yr of age who had been fitted with hearing aids.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Responses were obtained from surveys mailed to parents through early intervention programs and audiology clinics. Descriptive statistics were used to describe frequencies and variance in responses.

Results:

Forty-seven percent of the parents reported the need for help from an interpreter during audiology appointments. Even though parents received information and were taught skills by their audiologist, many wanted to receive more information. For example, 59% wanted to know how to meet other parents of children who have hearing loss, although 88% had previously received this information; 56% wanted to know how to do basic hearing aid maintenance, although 71% had previously received instruction. The two most frequently reported hearing aid use challenges were fear of losing the hearing aids, and not seeing benefit from the hearing aids. Hearing aid use during all waking hours was reported by more parents (66%) when their child had a good day than when their child had a bad day (37%); during the previous two weeks, 35% of the parents indicated their child had all good days.

Conclusions:

Hispanic parents wanted more comprehensive information, concrete resources, and emotional support from the audiologist to overcome hearing aid management challenges. Understanding parents’ perspectives, experiences, and challenges is critical for audiologists to provide appropriate support in a culturally sensitive manner and to effectively address families’ needs.

Key Words

families - hearing aids - hearing loss - Hispanic - pediatric audiology

This study was funded by the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management at Utah State University.


This study was presented at the 14th Annual Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Conference in Louisville, KY, March 9, 2015.


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM).


 

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