Abstract
To optimize outcomes of children with hearing loss, early intervention professionals must work with families to optimize both children’s hearing device use and the linguistic and auditory features of their environments. Two technologies with potential use in monitoring these domains are data logging and Language Environment Analysis (LENA) technology. This study had two objectives: 1) to determine whether providers’ experiences, perspectives, and current practices indicate there is a need for tools to better monitor these domains, and 2) to gain a better understanding of providers’ experiences with and perspectives on use of data logging and LENA technology using an internet-based questionnaire. Providers used informal, subjective methods to monitor functioning in the two domains and felt confident that this allowed them to know how consistently children on their caseloads were wearing their hearing devices and what their environments were like between intervention visits. Providers had limited personal experience with accessing data logging information from hearing devices, but many were receiving that information from the child’s audiologist. Most providers reported limited personal experience with LENA technology. Most providers indicated that they believed access to the technologies may be beneficial, but only if coupled with proper funding for the technology, appropriate training, and supportive administrative policies.
Recommended Citation
Appenzeller, M. C. & Ambrose, S. E. (2020). Using Technology to Monitor Hearing Device Use and Linguistic Environments: Early Intervention Providers’ Perspectives. Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, 5(1), 62-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/xfzs-4831
Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/jehdi/vol5/iss1/8
