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Abstract

Parents experience numerous stressors tied to their child's diagnosis as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). This study sought to inquire about the lived experiences of parents with children who are DHH to inform the types of supports that should be provided within an audiology care coordination system. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with parents of children under the age of five who are DHH and patients of the Division of Audiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Interview findings informed focus group questions, which were facilitated in a parent support group with parents of children who are DHH and seen by the division. The results reveal parents’ reactions and adaptations to their child’s hearing health needs, as well as helpful supports and services. An audiology care coordinator (ACC) and a local parent support group were two of four supports identified as helpful in navigating their child’s hearing health care. The findings of this study lend context for the types of support services pediatric institutions can provide to help families when their child is identified as DHH through a care coordination approach.

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