Experiences of Mothers With Hearing Impairment Regarding the Care of Their Children.

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose: Hearing loss is one of the most common types of disability in the world. Studies have reported that mothers with disabilities have some difficulties in fulfilling their maternal role in childcare. This study was conducted to determine the experiences of mothers with hearing impairment regarding the care of their children. Methods: This study, which was conducted using a qualitative method in a phenomenological design, was carried out with 10 mothers with moderate, severe, and highly severe bilateral hearing loss in a province in the southeast of Türkiye. Methodologically, inductive coding was followed for data analysis. In the analysis, the Max Qualitative Data Analysis Analytics Pro2022 software was used. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used for qualitative research reporting. Results: The data codes obtained were gathered under nine categories, and the categories were divided into subcodes. These categories were respectively related to "difficulties caused by hearing impairment," "tactics developed in coping with difficulties," "difficulties experienced independently of hearing impairment," "approaches to being a mother with impairment," "mother's attitude toward hearing impairment," "issues related to children," "fears and concerns," "experienced advantages and disadvantages," and "expectations and recommendations." Conclusion: The study revealed that mothers had experienced difficulties caused by hearing impairment, received help in childcare, or developed facilitating strategies Implications for Practice Pediatric nurses should provide training on childcare and safety to mothers with hearing impairment, as well as develop strategies to facilitate childcare by working in cooperation with mothers who have hearing impairment.