Less severe hearing loss such mild to moderate hearing loss tend be given less attention by caregivers and there is little attention given by researchers compared to more severe hearing loss. There is a gap in literature about caregivers' experiences and perspectives regarding overall diagnosis and management process of children with MMHL aged 6 to 12 years especially in South Africa. The study aimed to describe caregivers' experiences, perspectives and expectations regarding the diagnostic process and management related to mild to moderate hearing loss. The study further aimed to identify strength and gaps of the diagnostic and management process. Data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, 20 caregivers participated in a questionnaire; qualitatively seven caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire utilised consisted of demographic information and closed ended questions. The majority of the closed ended questions were demographic questions; others were in a form of Likert scale method in order to measure the satisfaction level of caregivers regarding audiological services. After questionnaire completion, one-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted by the researcher. Interviews were audio recorded and the researcher took notes while recording the interview. Descriptive data analysis was done for quantitative data and interview data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings indicated that there are both satisfaction and dissatisfactions regarding overall diagnosis and management of children with MMHL. Caregivers expressed satisfaction with the audiologist management however gaps such as poor provision of written information and social support groups were observed as dissatisfactions. Most caregivers delayed the process of seeking hearing health care by using traditional medicine which in turn did not help restoring hearing difficulties. Moreover, caregivers expressed concern about their children's hearing levels and tended to compare them with normal hearing children. Furthermore, caregivers wished for a cure for MMHL and recommended that children with MMHL get a care disability grant. The findings of the current study affirm the previous research by highlighting the importance of providing caregivers with unbiased information. Results of the current study also highlight the importance of early identification and management of hearing loss in children. Also, more effort is needed in terms of providing caregivers with information on all available technology options such as hearing aids, as well as evidence on the pros and cons to support informed choices. This research contributes information regarding the diagnosis and management process of mild to moderate hearing loss from the perspectives of families, which may have important implications for program planners, decision-makers and audiologists delivering services.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uct/oai:localhost:11427/37694 |
| Date | 12 April 2023 |
| Creators | Ntshangase, Ntombenhle |
| Contributors | Petersen, Lucretia |
| Publisher | Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Master Thesis, Masters, MSc |
| Format | application/pdf |
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