A Qualitative Study of the Evaluation of Communication Abilities in the Diagnosis of Children with Hearing Impairment

Yoon, Mi Sun

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Commun Sci Disord. 2007;12(3): 447-464.

Mi Sun Yoon^`

윤미선(Mi Sun Yoon)

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives
The purpose of this study was to confirm the importance of the evaluation of communication abilities in children with a hearing impairment and to analyze the current evaluation criteria for hearing impairment.
Methods
Interviews were conducted with nine professionals from four different clinical settings. The results were analyzed by using a qualitative constant-comparative design.
Results
Professionals who participated in this study agreed that the evaluation of the communication abilities of children with a hearing impairment should be performed during diagnosis and assessment procedures. Three main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) The limitation of current evaluation criteria, (2) A change of environment is needed such as increased technical development of hearing devices and the expansion of early diagnosis and early intervention, and (3) The requirement for a team-based approach.
Discussion & Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that new protocol and criteria including verbal communication abilities would be needed for diagnosis and evaluation of children with hearing impairment.