Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

With the development of universal newborn hearing screening programs many support groups and programs have been developed to support families with infants and young children identified with hearing loss. However, resources and support are often decreased or eliminated as children get older. There is a significant body of literature that examines transitioning adolescents toward the self-management of their healthcare needs associated with chronic diseases. However, limited research exists in this area of audiology for adolescents and there are few resources to assist audiologists and parents through this stage. This study used a constructivist grounded theory approach to examine the process of transition for children and adolescents toward the self-management of their hearing healthcare; the identification of barriers and facilitators to a successful transition and the role of parents, audiologists, and teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing throughout this process. Participants included children and adolescents, 10-18 years of age with hearing loss. In-depth interviews were conducted with the children and children were asked to complete a take-home journal. Interviews were also conducted with individuals who provide significant support for these children including parents, audiologists, and teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing. Data analysis followed a constant comparative method to develop a theory to explain the process of transition for these children. Findings from this study will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the areas of audiologic management and counselling for children and adolescents with hearing loss.