Parent’s satisfaction on tele-listening training for children with Hearing impairment during COVID-19

Abstract

Background and Aim: Rehabilitation services to individuals with hearing impairment were on hold with widespread COVID-19. So, rehabili­tation services were mandated mainly through telepractice for children with hearing loss. Eva­luating the effectiveness of tele-practise compa­red to face-to-face therapy is of utmost impor­tance for evidence-based approaches. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the parent’s satisfaction with tele-listening training for child­ren with hearing impairment during COVID-19. Methods: Fifty-four parents of children with hearing loss participated in the study. The pare­nts satisfaction on tele-listening training was evaluated through the Parent Satisfaction Ques­tionnaire in terms of 1) the audio and video qua­lity during teletherapy; 2) equipment use 3) gen­eral parent-therapist interaction and communi­cation during teletherapy; 4) service delivery and convenience; and 5) overall satisfaction with the teletherapy. Results: The results showed a higher parent satisfaction rating to avail rehabilitation services through tele-modality during the pandemic. Tele-listening training sessions had helped par­ents continue training their children at home with the therapist's guidance online. However, parents were not satisfied with their child's interaction with the therapist as they found it difficult to maintain attention throughout the online session. Conclusion: Although most participants agreed that tele session could not replace face-to-face auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) programs, most of them were satisfied with the outreach AVT program. These favorable responses from pare­nts highlight that the digital revolution and other technological advancements support the service providers in Audiology, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Tele-listening training; questionnaire; satisfaction; rehabilitation