Exploring the Social Capital of Adolescents Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Their Parents: A Preliminary Investigation

A systematic review on the impact of auditory functioning and language proficiency on psychosocial difficulties in children and adolescents with hearing loss

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 20% to 40% of children with hearing loss encounter psychosocial difficulties. This prevalence may be outdated, given the advancements in hearing technology and rehabilitation efforts to enhance the psychosocial well-being of these children. A systematic review of up-to-date literature can help to identify factors that may contribute to the children's psychosocial well-being.

DESIGN/STUDY SAMPLE

A systematic review was conducted. Original articles were identified through systematic searches in Embase, Medline, PsychINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection. The quality of the papers was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and custom Reviewers' Criteria.

RESULTS

A search was performed on 20 October 2022. A total of 1561 articles were identified, and 36 were included for review. Critical appraisal led to 24 good to fair quality articles, and 12 poor quality articles.

CONCLUSION

Children with hearing loss have a twofold risk of experiencing psychosocial difficulties compared to normal hearing peers. Estimates for functioning in social interactions, like speech perception (in noise) or language proficiency, have proven to be more adequate predictors for psychosocial difficulties than the degree of hearing loss. Our findings can be useful for identifying children at risk for difficulties and offering them earlier and more elaborate psychological interventions.

Systems that support hearing families with deaf children: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who have limited knowledge about deafness and require comprehensive support and information to support and communicate with their deaf child. However, little is known about the systems that support hearing families with deaf children. We performed a scoping review to provide an overview of current literature on the topic.

METHODS

The protocol of the scoping review was prepared using the PRISMA statement guidelines for scoping reviews. Relevant search terms were used to identify eligible studies following discussion with the study's steering group. Databases searched were CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest Central and ASSIA, as well as grey literature from relevant journals and online sources. Included were studies published from 2000 to 2021 and available in English.

RESULTS

A search of databases identified 1274 articles. After excluding duplicates, screening titles and abstracts and full texts, 65 papers matched the identified inclusion criteria. Results included 1 RCT, 7 comparative studies, 6 literature reviews, 4 PhD theses, and 47 further empirical studies.

CONCLUSION

There is limited quality evidence on what supports hearing parents with deaf children. It is evident that further studies are needed to ensure comprehensive support is accessible and effective for hearing parents of deaf children.

Modeling residents' multidimensional social capital in China's neighborhood renewal projects: SEM and MIMIC approaches

Neighborhood renewal is now an important approach to sustainable urban development in China. However, neighborhood renewal projects are often beset with social problems such as noncooperation from residents, which can be attributed to diverse interests and complex relationships among residents. However, there is little research on resident relations in China and intra-resident conflict. Based on social capital, this study provided a better understanding of resident relationships in neighborhood renewal in China. To this end, we developed a theoretical framework of residents' multidimensional social capital (structural, relational, and cognitive). Then, a survey was conducted to collect data from 590 residents across China who were experiencing or had experienced neighborhood renewal. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) modeling were used. The results revealed positive effects of structural social capital on relational and cognitive social capital, and the mediation role of relational social capital was demonstrated. We also tested the effects of differences in sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings verify the explanatory power of social capital regarding residents' complex relationships in neighborhood renewal in China. Implications for theory and policy are discussed. This study helps to improve our understanding of residents' social systems in neighborhood renewal and provides theoretical support for formulating neighborhood renewal policies in China and abroad.

School-based hearing screening in Sweden - An evaluation of current practices

OBJECTIVES

Routines for school hearing screening vary between municipalities in Sweden, and no study has been carried out to investigate how this is conducted throughout the country. The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of school hearing screening, and how it is performed in all the municipalities in Sweden.

METHODS

An online survey was used to collect information on school hearing screening from municipalities in Sweden (N = 290). The survey included questions on the performance of hearing screening, including stimulus level and frequencies tested, the criteria for referral for further hearing evaluation, as well as the equipment and room used for testing, and who carried out the screening. Questions were also included on experience of, and attitudes towards hearing screening.

RESULTS

Answers were received from 225 municipalities (response rate 78%). Universal school hearing screening was performed in 202 municipalities, while in the other municipalities hearing screening was performed when a child was evaluated due to speech delay or learning difficulties. Many different protocols were used involving different stimulus levels, frequencies, and referral criteria. The most common was testing with pure tone audiometry with a lowest stimulus level of 20 dB HL at five frequencies, 500-6000 Hz. Hearing screening was usually performed in the preparation class (6 years of age), while in other municipalities it was performed in year 1 (7 years of age). Hearing screening was usually performed once in primary school, while some municipalities carried out screening once in primary school and once in high school. More rarely, hearing screening was conducted twice in primary school. In 25 % of the municipialities, newly arrived immigrant children were screened. Difficulties in performing hearing screening were reported, such as lack of soundproof rooms, lack of time and technical difficulties. There was an opinion among the participants that identifying students with hearing loss is important, as it affects their learning ability and communication skills. and they expressed a desire for national guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing screening is performed in the vast majority of municipally run schools in Sweden. The way in which screening was performed varied regarding the stimulus level and frequencies used, as well as the criteria for referral to a specialist. The attitude towards hearing screening was positive among the participants. Hearing screening of newly immigrated children is important as their previous medical history is often unknown. There is a need for national guidelines on hearing screening of Swedish schoolchildren. Efforts must continue to ensure that the same level of healthcare regarding children's hearing is provided throughout the whole of Sweden.

Social Capital, Loneliness, and Peer Relationships of Adolescents who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

There are many documented benefits of social capital to adolescents in general, and for young people who are deaf or hard of hearing social capital can potentially have a buffering effect against adverse life outcomes. Using the Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Questionnaire ( Asher et al., 1984; Cassidy & Asher, 1992) and the Looman Social Capital Scale ( Looman, 2006), this research investigated changes in levels of social capital and loneliness and peer relationships of deaf or hard of hearing adolescents before attending a residential camp and then three, six- and 12-months post-camp. The camp was specifically for DHH adolescents whose primary communication mode was spoken language. The study also investigated associations between social capital and adolescents' perceptions of loneliness and peer relationships. Results indicated no statistically significant change in social capital and loneliness and peer relations over the four-time points. There was a significant association between one social capital scale, common good, and loneliness. Implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations are made for enhancing social capital development within a residential camp experience.

Systematic Review of Literature: Social Capital and Adolescents who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Outcomes have improved for adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) in recent years in areas such as language and speech; however, outcomes such as pragmatic and psychosocial development are still not equal to adolescents with typical hearing. This systematic review of literature explored recent research as it pertains to social capital and adolescents who are DHH. The inclusion criteria were extended to include other populations who are DHH and adolescents with other disabilities to identify future research directions. Themes identified in the reviewed literature viewed through social capital theory included psychosocial outcomes; the importance of language; the benefit of online social networking sites; the role of the family; the role of the school; inclusion and identity; role models; and post-school transition. Results demonstrated that social capital is an area with much promise as it relates to buffering outcomes for adolescents who are DHH. More empirical evidence is required in the form of quantitative research using validated social capital instruments and qualitative research that gives a voice to adolescents who are DHH. The role of social capital in facilitating inclusion, identity, and friendships, were identified as possible future research directions.