Universal newborn hearing screening: parental reflections on very early audiological management.
OBJECTIVE
This article seeks to understand very early audiological management from a parental perspective, after the early identification of their child's hearing loss through universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS).


METHODS
Data are taken from the national evaluation of the introduction of UNHS in England. Forty-five parents and caregivers participated in a qualitative, narrative study within which they identified key challenges generated by the audiological management of very young babies with hearing loss at home.


RESULTS
Concern centered on the virtual timetable constructed by parents after screening, the practical daily management issues and the need to establish infant rather than a child focus in audiological practice. In addition, specific challenges relating to moderate hearing loss were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Results are of particular relevance to pediatric audiologists, teachers of the deaf and those offering early intervention services.
McCracken
Wendy
W
University of Manchester, School of Psychological Sciences, Human Communication and Deafness, Manchester, United Kingdom. wendy.mccracken@manchester.ac.uk
Young
Alys
A
Tattersall
Helen
H
D001294:Attitude to Health; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D010290:Parents; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires