LM210 - Navigating the Change from Pediatric to Adult Hearing Care: How Audiologists Can Support Young Adults and Their Families

Abstract:
For young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families, transitioning from pediatric to adult hearing care is a process that can be challenging and uncertain. While some audiologists may informally discuss this change of care, it may not adequately address their personal requirements for a successful transition. Survey and interview research was conducted with audiologists in North America to understand how they support deaf and hard of hearing young adults and their families as they move on to a new audiologist that provides adult hearing care.

Summary:
Transitions are the coordination and continuity of health care during a movement from one setting to another. Planned transitions from pediatric to adult health care have shown positive outcomes in the areas of adherence to care, understanding of care, and participation in care (van Staa et al., 2011). When transitions are unplanned and are unsuccessful, it may result in a lower quality of care, poor continuity of care, and errors in their treatment (Abu et al., 2018).

Many children who are deaf or hard of hearing in the United States receive their hearing services from a pediatric audiologist until they reach age 21 (Moodie et al., 2016). These children and their families receive coordinated care that supports them in navigating insurance coverage, school and community services, and hearing technology repair and technical support. When these young adults are ready to move to a provider of adult hearing care the process can be challenging. Little evidence is available on the availability of planned transition programs within pediatric audiology centres. In addition, the requirements needed to facilitate successful transitions from pediatric to adult hearing care for young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing are also not well established.

This learning module will discuss explored supports and processes young adults, and their families require to experience a successful transition from pediatric to adult hearing care. Understanding when transition discussions should within the continuum of pediatric hearing care will also be discussed.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
The clinical takeaway for this session is that audiologists can work with their deaf or hard of hearing teens to support their successful transition from pediatric to adult hearing care. This work can begin early and can be individualized.