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Article
Moderators and Predictors in a Parent Hearing Aid Management eHealth Program
International Journal of Audiology
  • Guadalupe G. San Miguel, Utah State University
  • Karen F. Muñoz, Utah State University
  • Tyson Barrett, Utah State University
  • Michael P. Twohig, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publication Date
3-18-2022
Disciplines
Abstract

Objective: Consistent hearing-aid use is essential for spoken language development of children who are hard of hearing. A recent randomized controlled trial of an eHealth hearing aid management education program found the intervention increased knowledge, perceptions, confidence, and device monitoring among parents of young children. Yet, it is not known which variables can be a point of emphasis to improve treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential moderators and predictors in the eHealth program.

Design: Randomized controlled trial

Study Sample: Parents (N=78) of children (42 months or younger) were randomized to the intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU) group.

Results: Results revealed that high psychological inflexibility, low parent activation, and low hours of hearing aid use may moderate device monitoring frequency and knowledge; parents in the intervention improved over time compared to the TAU group. Psychological inflexibility and parent activation also predicted treatment outcomes.

Conclusion: The findings suggest the need to address parent psychological inflexibility related to hearing loss management, parents’ role in their child’s hearing aid management, and reported hours of hearing aid use as part of hearing aid service delivery. Identification of barriers to hearing aid management can assist audiologists in adjusting support to improve outcomes.

Comments

This is the Author’s Original Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Audiology on 18 March 2022 available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2022.2048103.

Author ORCID Identifier

Tyson S. Barrett https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2137-1391

Michael P. Twohig https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2936-5962

Citation Information
San Miguel, G. G., Muñoz, K., Barrett, T.S, & Twohig, M.P. (in press). Moderators and predictors in a parent hearing aid management eHealth program. International Journal of Audiology