Document Type

Capstone Project

Publication Date

Spring 3-13-2023

First Advisor

Antony Joseph, MA, Au.D., Ph.D., ABAC, CCC-A, CPS/A, F-NAP

Keywords

Children, Teenagers, Hearing Loss, Audiological Intervention

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders | Speech and Hearing Science | Speech Pathology and Audiology

Abstract

Abstract 1 - Introduction: The family of every child referred for definitive care after a newborn hearing screening should follow up with an audiologist to rule out hearing impairment. Early identification, diagnosis, and intervention are crucial for individualized planning and outcomes. Children who need binaural amplification and are not managed appropriately become exposed to sound deprivation, which leads to diminished speech audibility, sound localization, and speech and language development. Case Presentation: A young child presented to the clinic with an unspecified bilateral mild to moderate hearing loss at 500, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Discussion: Children with monaural amplification have shown decreased speech recognition scores when compared to those fitted binaurally. Decreased speech audibility can affect speech and language development over a lifetime. Conclusion: Children who are prescribed monaural amplification, when binaural amplification is indicated, may demonstrate problems with the development of speech and language.

Abstract 2 - Introduction: Teenagers may have difficulty accepting hearing aids, due to a perceived negative self-image and what their peers will think of them when seen wearing hearing aids. Case Presentation: A teenager presented to the clinic with unilateral conductive hearing loss in the right ear. A hearing aid was selected, and adult Desired Sensation Level targets were utilized for the prescription. Discussion: Teenagers with a hearing impairment want to be socially compatible with their normal-hearing peers. This raises personal concerns about the aesthetic appearance of their hearing-assistive devices, causing some teenagers to abandon their hearing aids and avoid wearing them. Audiologists and other healthcare professionals should help teenagers to see the purpose and value of hearing aids, accept their hearing loss, and learn to self- advocate. Conclusion: Family support is important for teenagers to gain acceptance of their hearing aids, increase wear time of the device, and advocate for themselves.

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