Parental decision-making for hearing loss in unilateral microtia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploration of the parental decision-making process for hearing loss in children with unilateral microtia-atresia
IRAS ID
292121
Contact name
Robert Nash
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
Microtia is a condition where the child is born with one (or occasionally two) abnormally small, or even absent, external ear(s). This is almost always associated with the ear canal not forming, and the middle ear not functioning correctly. Microtia therefore has a cosmetic effect, but it also causes hearing loss. Unilateral hearing loss has been associated with a range of language, learning, social, emotional and behavioural consequences, which affect the development and well-being of the child. There are a number of possible options for improving hearing in the affected ear, most commonly involving the use of a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA). However, although there is good evidence that Bone Conduction Devices (BCDs) are effective, many parents (and their children) choose not to have them fitted. The aim of this study is to explore the reason for underlying this decision-making.
Participants will be the parents of children aged 2 to 8 years with unilateral microtia, recruited through the plastics and ENT services at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children by a member of the clinical care team. This is a qualitative study: a semi-structured interview will be used, and the data analysed using an inductive thematic analysis methodology.
The research is being funded by the charity Microtia UK.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0836
Date of REC Opinion
1 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion