Gaps in Research
Research regarding hearing loss and hearing devices are discoverable around the world. However, “there are still critical knowledge gaps that exist in hearing health” (Australian Government Department Of Health, 2017, para. 1).
The Gaps include:
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Accurate, descriptive, and predictive models of the frequency at which hearing loss occurs, along with the impact it has on the individuals themselves (Australian Government Department Of Health, 2017).
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An understanding of the findings that further conditions may be associated with hearing loss (Australian Government Department Of Health, 2017).
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Investigating the relationship between chemicals that result in hearing impairment (ototoxic substances) and the implications for preventing hearing loss (Australian Government Department Of Health, 2017).
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An understanding of the relationship between risky behaviours, and noise induced hearing loss, as well as how to design hearing health and hearing loss prevention campaigns (Australian Government Department Of Health, 2017).
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“An evaluation of benefits, satisfaction and cost effectiveness of interventions and devices for hearing loss” (Australian Government Department Of Health, 2017, para. 3).
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing are not able to communicate and participate in social situations as effectively as children without a hearing impairment. This affects the way they learn within a school setting, and employment opportunities down the line. The overall significance of these gaps to current understandings of the topic, is that research has yet to implement their findings within the classrooms. In other words, these gaps teach us that hearing loss occurs frequently and sometimes children, themselves, unknowingly reduce their own hearing abilities through risky behaviour. This is a wake up call for schools, child care settings, etc. that there is not enough attention, nor information provided surrounding various ways in which children can adopt a hearing impairment. Furthermore, these gaps teach us that upcoming conditions may be associated with hearing loss. Therefore, educators should be trained to support children who may not only have a hearing impairment, but anxiety or depression as well.