Recently, a number of auditory training apps have been developed for use with children with hearing loss. However, the decision as to which apps are most appropriate presents a daunting task to both pediatric audiologists and parents of children with hearing loss. The sheer number of apps is quite large thereby complicating decision making. Further, many come at a cost to the user, making them inaccessible to some families. Nonetheless, use of these apps is becoming an increasingly common recommendation for parents of children with hearing loss. The purpose of this project, therefore, was to complete an analysis of mobile phone-based auditory training apps available for use with children with hearing loss including a description of multiple key features of each. Of 100 apps identified from the work of Childress (2020) and major device manufacturers, 17 apps met the inclusion criteria. A rating system was adapted based on the work of Olson (2015), including 5 categories: Clarity of Visual Layout, Clarity of Instructions, Need for Instruction to Operate App, Incorporation of Relevant Evidence-Based AT Principles: Skills, and Incorporation of Relevant Evidence-Based AT Principles: Difficulty. The first author rated, reviewed and ranked each app for each category. These rankings can be a resource for both audiologists and parents. Audiologists can base recommendations for use of app(s) based on these ratings and the child’s needs. By sharing information about these apps with parents, pediatric audiologists can promote a family-centered care approach to the habilitation process.
Samantha_m_schneider@rush.edu
Co-author: Patricia McCarthy, PhD
Available on May 3