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Family Quality of Life Following Early Identification of Deafness

Jane R. Wegner
Ann P. Turnbull
University of Kansas

Purpose: This study examined family members' perceptions of quality of life following early identification of deafness.

Method: A questionnaire was used to solicit ratings of satisfaction from family members of 207 children who were deaf and under 6 years old.

Results: Results indicated that families were generally satisfied with areas of family life. Descriptive analysis suggested lower satisfaction ratings in the area of emotional well-being. Families also reported the largest impact of deafness on their emotional well-being. Family members of children using oral communication with a cochlear implant reported higher satisfaction with their child's speech production and perception outcomes than children using hearing aids alone.

Implications: It is recommended that programs consider additional supports for family well-being following early identification of deafness.

KEY WORDS: deafness, early identification, family quality of life, early intervention, emotional well-being, cochlear implants, hearing aids

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