Comparison of third-party disability between normal hearing siblings of children using hearing aids and those using cochlear implants

Abstract

Purpose: Historically, research tends to focus on the experiences of deaf children and the difficulties faced, as well as the difficulties their parents endure. Less attention has been focused on siblings of children with hearing impairment (CWHI). This study aimed to compare the Third-Party Disability between normal hearing siblings of children using hearing aids (HAs) with those using cochlear implants (CI). The objective was to develop International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) based-tools across different domains and categories that describe third-party disability in siblings of children with hearing impairment. Method: 45 Normal Hearing Older Siblings (NHOS) from the two groups of children with hearing impairment using HAs and CI participated in the study. A tool was developed and mapped onto ICF components of Activities and Participation and Environmental factors. The developed tool consisting of 43-items across six-domains was administered through interviews, independent of the sibling. Frequency distribution and descriptive statistics were obtained. Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to assess normality of the distribution. Mann Whitney U test was administered to compare the domain-wise distributions for the two groups. Results: NHOS of CWHI using HAs perceive greater third-party disability as compared to the NHOS of CWHI using unilateral CI across all the six domains included in the study. The differences were striking in the domain of communication, interpersonal interaction and relationship, support and relationship. There were differences across the other three domains which were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Hearing loss is a disabling condition that not only effects the individual, but is an experience shared by immediate family members including siblings. The extent of third-party disability in NHOS is influenced by the hearing device. This study has provided insights into the difficulties faced by normal hearing siblings of children with hearing impairment. Implication: Utilization of an ICF-based tool has provided an idea about the specific domains(s) in which they perceive maximum difficulties, which will help clinicians counsel parents, focusing not only on the needs and issues of the CWHI but also the hearing siblings. Keywords: children with hearing aids, children with cochlear implants, normal hearing siblings