The investigation of the opinions of mothers of children with hearing loss on their needs and support regarding their children

Abstract

Specifying the needs and support of families who has a child with hearing loss is needed to enhance the quality of services offered to them. The aim of this study is to investigate the mothers’ opinions about the needs and support related to their children with hearing loss. The study is designed as a descriptive case study. The participants of the study were 11 mothers of children who are the primary caregivers. While 10 of the children had cochlear implant, one of them had a brainstem implant. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, the researcher’s journal and document analysis. Descriptive analysis technique was used for the analysis of the data. Mothers’ needs related to their children were categorized under the following titles: informational, educational, psychosocial, financial and anticipated needs. It was also revealed that the families received support from their social circle, experts, internet, government and other families of children with hearing loss. The mothers mostly expected the government to raise the financial support. They also adviced other families who have children with hearing loss to look after these children well and meet their demands. It can be said that the need for information is closely related with other needs, and when the information need is met, it can fulfill some of the other needs.