A survey of parental views regarding their child's hearing loss: a pilot study.

Abstract

Assess parental perceptions of their child's sensorineural hearing loss care. Families of pediatric patients diagnosed with a sensorineural hearing loss from 2000 to 2004 were sent a survey asking about their experiences with their child's hearing loss. One hundred eight of 389 families surveyed were studied. Thirteen percent did not know the results of the newborn screening. Twenty-two percent of the primary care physicians were not involved in the child's hearing evaluation. Forty percent of the patients underwent 4 or more audiologic tests before a diagnosis. The most common reason for delayed diagnosis was difficulty in obtaining an appointment with an audiologist. Sixty-two percent of families had difficulties obtaining hearing aids, and 58% noted difficulties obtaining cochlear implants. Families reported multiple obstacles to obtain timely diagnosis and treatment. Otolaryngologists may need to be more involved in the evaluation and treatment of these patients. C-4.