Amplification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Queensland. II. Factors in successful usage

Abstract

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children suffer from a high prevalence of conductive hearing loss associated with otitis media and hearing health services have been developed to provide assessment and treatment for indigenous children. Provision of appropriate amplification to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with hearing loss is an integral part of such services. The present study was designed to provide qualitative information regarding the Australian Hearing Services amplification programme as it related to rural indigenous children in Queensland. Children fitted with amplification devices and living on three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were studied to provide qualitative information concerning possible factors which may contribute to the successful use of hearing aids and other devices. The factors considered by respondents to contribute to successful hearing aid use in indigenous rural communities included the age of the child at the time of hearing aid fitting, acceptance of the hearing aid by the child, teacher and family, consistency of hearing aid use, perception of benefit by the child and significant others, teacher motivation and support, family motivation and support, communication between the schools, communities and service providers, regular school attendance, and the design and reliability of devices. The degree or type of hearing loss and management of the device were not considered to be contributing factors.