The child doesn't hear? On breaking bad news as perceived by parents and audiologists.

Objective: The object of this study was to explore how parents experienced receiving the news of their child's hearing loss, and how audiologists experienced the situation of conveying the diagnosis, in order to examine improvements to the current process.
Method: A questionnaire regarding different aspects of breaking the news was developed. 48 Arabic and Hebrew speaking parents of hearing impaired children answered the questionnaire. A similar questionnaire was filled out by 31 audiologists.
Results: Findings demonstrate parents' general satisfaction with the manner in which the diagnosis was delivered. According to the parents' reports, receiving the diagnosis evoked negative feelings of fear, depression and difficulty believing the diagnosis. Parents' feelings were influenced by their cultural background, such as their ethnic identity, religious practice and difficulties due to language barriers. The audiologists described concern and anxiety when breaking bad news, but they felt they were able to present the diagnosis. The audiologists felt that they were not trained in this aspect, and the ability was acquired through experience. Both parents and audiologists agreed that the audiologist should be the professional to deliver the diagnosis. All emphasized sensitivity and professionalism as necessary qualities. Whereas audiologists were of the opinion that the most important information to transmit was the type of hearing loss, the parents were most interested in discussing their feelings, the rehabilitation process, and talking to other parents.
Conclusions: Overall, results reveal that breaking bad news of a child's hearing loss has been done fairly well. Due to the parents' reports of the need for emotional support, it is suggested that audiologists receive further training and adjust to personal and cultural differences. Recommendations include establishing an appropriate setting and ensuring that an interpreter is available when necessary. Further emotional support may be provided through establishment of a family support network.
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