Using Technology to Monitor Hearing Device Use and Linguistic Environments: Early Intervention Providers' Perspectives.

Abstract

To improve outcomes for children with hearing loss, early intervention professionals must work with families to optimize children's hearing device use and the linguistic and auditory features of children's environments. Two technologies with potential use in monitoring these domains are data logging and Language Environment Analysis (LENA) technology. This study, which surveyed early intervention providers, had two objectives: (a) to determine whether providers' experiences, perspectives, and current practices indicated there was a need for tools to better monitor these domains, and (b) to gain a better understanding of providers' experiences with and perspectives on use of the two technologies. Most providers reported that they used informal, subjective methods to monitor functioning in the two domains and felt confident that their methods allowed them to know how consistently children on their caseloads were wearing their hearing devices and what their environments were like between intervention visits. Although most providers reported limited personal experience with accessing data logging information and with LENA technology, many reported receiving data logging information from children's audiologists. Providers generally believed access to the technologies could be beneficial, but only if coupled with proper funding for the technology, appropriate training, and supportive administrative policies.