Decisions Māori Families Make After Diagnosis of a Hearing Loss in the Whānau

Abstract

This study examines the decisions Māori families make after the diagnosis of a hearing loss in the whānau. 12 families from six different geological areas within New Zealand shared their experiences in learning about their child‟s disability, searching for appropriate interventions and making choices regarding habilitation, communication and education. In particular, the study explores the effects of culture, access to information and perceived barriers on the decision making process. The experiences of 12 families are highlighted. Results indicated: 1) Māori families experienced much of the same difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis and hearing aids/cochlear implants as non-Māori families. Their problems however, are emphasised by socio-economic factors such as limited access to health care, transportation, location, financial issues; 2) parents and adults often relied solely on the professionals seeing their children to provide them with information regarding hearing loss, treatment, communication and educational options; 3) while many families expressed English as most important for their child to learn, most parents expressed the importance of their children to know Te Reo Māori and sign-language; 4) professionals did not often discuss the option of cochlear implants but rather the parents themselves asked further into cochlear implants as an option for their child.