Receiving a newborn hearing loss diagnosis can evoke distress, uncertainty, and fear, potentially affecting parents’ readiness to engage in intervention. Pediatric audiologists conducting diagnostic auditory brainstem response (ABR) assessments are uniquely positioned to influence early parental experiences and confidence in next steps. This pilot mixed-methods study explored the feasibility and perceived impact of integrating a meaningful participation framework and strengths-based counselling approach into ABR appointments.
Five pediatric audiologists participated in a two-day training workshop focused on family-centered early intervention principles, meaningful participation, applied family systems theory, and hopeful language. Data were collected over three months through pre/post workshop surveys, parent and audiologist post-appointment questionnaires, monthly audiologist interviews, and a post-study self-assessment. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent interpretive phenomenological analysis.
Post-workshop findings demonstrated increased audiologist confidence in using strengths-based communication, fostering hope, and supporting parental participation. Parent and audiologist survey responses were consistently positive, with high ratings for communication, emotional support, clarity of information, and overall satisfaction across diagnostic outcomes. Qualitative findings identified family-centered communication, balanced information sharing, emotional validation, and hopeful language as key practices supporting parental readiness and engagement.
Results suggest that integrating meaningful participation counselling into diagnostic ABR appointments is feasible, well received, and may enhance parent empowerment, participation, and understanding during the diagnostic journey. These findings support the value of intentional communication training and strengths-based, family-centered counselling strategies in pediatric audiology practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Assess whether a structured workshop improves audiologists’ use of strengths-based, hopeful, and family-centred counseling.
- Evaluate audiologist/parent perceptions of appointments
- Explore audiologists’ experiences implementing the approach.
