Factors influencing language development in children with hearing loss: a qualitative study of parental attitudes and behaviors
Frontiers in Psychology, cilt.17, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 17
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1807202
- Dergi Adı: Frontiers in Psychology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Linguistic Bibliography, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo, Directory of Open Access Journals, MLA International Bibliography
- Anahtar Kelimeler: hearing loss, language development, parental attitude, pediatric hearing loss, reflexive thematic analysis
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective – This study aimed to explore how parents of children with hearing loss understand, emotionally process, and engage with auditory rehabilitation, with particular attention to differences between parents of children with age-appropriate versus delayed language development. Methods – A qualitative design was employed using focus group interviews with parents of children with hearing loss. Participants were grouped according to their children’s language development outcomes. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis following an iterative and inductive approach. Reporting was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results – The analysis identified a set of interrelated themes reflecting parental engagement across the rehabilitation process, including emotional responses following diagnosis, approaches to managing rehabilitation, perceptions of child development, everyday communication practices, adaptation to hearing devices, and family dynamics. While several experiences were shared across groups, parents of children with age-appropriate language development more consistently described early acceptance, sustained engagement, and integration of communication strategies into daily routines. In contrast, parents of children with delayed language development more frequently reported prolonged emotional distress, inconsistencies in engagement, and challenges in maintaining rehabilitation-related practices. Conclusion – Parental engagement in pediatric auditory rehabilitation is shaped not only by access to services, but also by parental meaning-making, emotional readiness, and the ability to translate clinical recommendations into everyday family practices. These findings highlight the importance of integrating structured, family-centered counseling approaches that address emotional processes, expectation alignment, and practical skill-building to support sustained caregiver engagement and optimize rehabilitation outcomes.