Carla W Jackson1, Jane R Wegner, Ann P Turnbull. 1. Florida State University, Communication Disorders, 109 Regional Rehabilitation Center, Tallahassee, FL 32309, USA. cjackson3@fsu.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: Family members' perceptions of their quality of life were examined following early identification of deafness in children. METHOD: A questionnaire was used to solicit ratings of satisfaction from the family members of 207 children who were deaf and younger than 6 years of age. RESULTS: Results indicated that families were generally satisfied with the areas of family life surveyed. Descriptive analysis suggested lower satisfaction ratings in the area of emotional well-being. Families also reported that their child's deafness had the largest impact on their emotional well-being. Family members of children using oral communication with a cochlear implant reported higher satisfaction with their child's speech production and perception outcomes than family members of children using hearing aids alone. IMPLICATIONS: We recommend that service providers and early hearing detection and intervention program coordinators consider additional supports for family well-being following the early identification of deafness in children.
PURPOSE: Family members' perceptions of their quality of life were examined following early identification of deafness in children. METHOD: A questionnaire was used to solicit ratings of satisfaction from the family members of 207 children who were deaf and younger than 6 years of age. RESULTS: Results indicated that families were generally satisfied with the areas of family life surveyed. Descriptive analysis suggested lower satisfaction ratings in the area of emotional well-being. Families also reported that their child's deafness had the largest impact on their emotional well-being. Family members of children using oral communication with a cochlear implant reported higher satisfaction with their child's speech production and perception outcomes than family members of children using hearing aids alone. IMPLICATIONS: We recommend that service providers and early hearing detection and intervention program coordinators consider additional supports for family well-being following the early identification of deafness in children.