Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Advisor(s)

Jane Puhlman

Committee Members

Jessica Riccardi, Janet Fairman, Daniel Puhlman

Graduation Year

September 2025

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This study explores the early experiences of five mothers of children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to understand their decision-making processes, emotional journeys, and the influence of external sources of information. Through semi-structured interviews, mothers shared their choices regarding technology, communication modalities, and the resources they utilized or sought out during their decision-making process. Families reflected on the support or challenges these resources provided, offering insight into how they shaped their experiences. Key themes emerged around the bias of advice from friends, family, and professionals, with mothers noting the impact of receiving guidance from individuals lacking personal experience with Deafness. Emotional responses to the diagnosis of hearing loss were multifaceted, ranging from initial negative emotions such as sadness and anger to positive feelings of empowerment and newfound confidence. Additionally, mothers expressed feelings of expectation versus reality, with some families encountering challenges that matched their expectations while others were surprised by the ease or difficulty of their experiences. The study underscores the importance of understanding the nuanced, intimate experiences of families navigating the early stages of hearing loss. The findings offer valuable insights for early interventionists, emphasizing the need for accurate, comprehensive information to guide families and support the child’s language development. By addressing potential gaps in understanding, early interventionists can better serve families, considering the emotional and informational needs that influence decision-making and adjustment.

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