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Abstract

Despite well-intentioned early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs, parents receiving a newborn hearing loss diagnosis often experience distress, uncertainty, and fear, which can impact their readiness to engage in early intervention. The communication and support provided by clinicians in early hearing detection and intervention play a critical role in helping families navigate emotions, overcome barriers, and actively participate in EHDI programs. The purpose of this scoping review is to advance our knowledge of the following: For parents who have a newborn newly diagnosed with hearing loss, how do the actions/behaviors and communication (or lack thereof) of EHDI providers influence parents’ emotional reactions and readiness to engage in early intervention? Guided by PRISMA-ScR guidelines, two electronic databases (Medline and CINAHL) were searched between 2015 and 2024. Fifty studies were included in the review after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. We extracted data from the included articles and collated results using descriptive and qualitative content analysis. The results revealed important actions/behaviors and communication from EHDI providers and the systems of care in which they work that facilitated readiness to engage in intervention. These include systems of care that are accessible, flexible, coordinated, collaborative, and collegial. EHDI providers should facilitate family capacity-building through balanced and unbiased guidance; clear, consistent communication; comprehensive information-sharing; provision of emotional and psychological support; parent empowerment for decision-making; and culturally responsive care. Future research should focus on developing education opportunities for clinicians to acquire knowledge, competencies, and skills to work in family-centered early intervention for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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