Abstract Details

<< Back to Schedule

10/26/2019  |   1:00 PM - 2:15 PM   |  Ventana Ballroom C

Families perspective:Informational counseling following the diagnosis of a permanent childhood hearing loss

Background: Parents are dependent on the information that audiologists provide in order for them to make informed decisions regarding intervention however most often parents and primary caregivers feel that the information is limited and biased. Objective: The current study is part of a larger study that aims to develop a contextually relevant evidence and consensus based informational counselling guideline for audiologists working with families of children recently diagnosed with a permanent childhood hearing loss in South Africa. The aim of the current study was to identify information needed by parents or primary caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing following the diagnosis of a permanent childhood hearing loss to make informed decisions regarding intervention. Methods: The study was qualitative and adopted a descriptive survey to obtain information on the current practices of informational counselling from the parents or primary caregivers perspective. Face-to-face semi- structured interviews were conducted with ninety seven parents and primary caregivers. Results: Ninety percent of the parents obtained some form of informational counselling however the information provided by audiologists was considered to be bias as it included a favorable communication option, school and rehabilitative technology. Information related to aural rehabilitation, family centered intervention and the impact of the hearing loss on the overall development of the child was unknown. The provision of all communication options, schools and rehabilitative technology along with sign language classes, audiology intervention related websites and intervention care pathways were identified as gaps that contribute to the decision making process. Discussion: Following the confirmation of a hearing loss, an audiologist is expected to provide relevant expert information in the form of a give and take dialogue with the parents of a deaf or hard of hearing child about the effective ways in which a hearing loss may be managed.

• Critical information required by parents and primary caregivers of children who are deaf and hard of hearing when making decisions about intervention options
• Factors that audiologists should consider when providing informational counseling for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing

Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.

Handouts:
No handouts have been uploaded.

Zandile Shezi (POC,Primary Presenter), University Of Kwa-Zulu Natal, blosez@ukzn.ac.za;
I am a lecturer/researcher in the discipline of Audiology at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. I obtained a bachelor of Audiology degree in 2007 at the University of KwaZulu Natal. I joined the Univeristy in 2011 and completed a Masters degree (cum laude) in 2013. I am currently completing by PhD in the area of Aural Rehabilitation. I have lectured a variety of areas in the Audiology program, however my research area of interest is pediatric and adult Aural Rehabilitation, early hearing detection and intervention, cochlear implants and family centered intervention. I supervise 3 Masters students. I am a reviewer for an Audiology journal. I have presented at international and national conferences.

ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

AAA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.