Telerehabilitation of hearing-impaired children during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

To evaluate advantages and effectiveness of remote rehabilitation services for hearing-impaired children at Center of Pediatric Audiology during COVID-19 pandemic. 181 children with different types and degrees of permanent hearing loss, their parents and 10 hearing care professionals (audiologists, speech-language therapists) were included in the study. 2115 rehabilitation services were provided during 3 months: video- and text consultations, video lessons with child, sending homework to parents, etc. The results of questionnaires showed that, on specialists' and parents' opinion, remote rehabilitation care is effective tool for hearing impaired children during emergency situations. TeleCare allowed to improve parents' abilities to manage with children by themselves, their understanding goals and methods of rehabilitation, improving child's hearing and speech skills. 95% of parents were satisfied by remote rehabilitation. Advantages and problems of remote hearing rehabilitation were analyzed from the sides of professionals and parents. The most challenging activities for professionals during TeleCare were: evaluation of HA/CI effectiveness, diagnosis and developing of hearing and speech. The experience of remote hearing rehabilitation in emergency situation allows to conclude that this type of care could be useful in clinical practice after pandemic for parents consulting and for children with motor problems.