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 There are many new emerging trends within the field of Audiology. One in particular is the genetic screening for hearing loss. This is a recent development within the field and many other circumstances come along with genetic screening for hearing loss. A related article, Parental Narratives of Genetic Testing for Hearing Loss: Audiologic Implications for Clinical Work with Children and Families, discusses the parent’s sensitivity towards genetic screening and the relationship between the parents and the audiologist. The article addresses the importance of the audiologist’s role when addressing genetic screening with parents. The article is based on a study of twenty-four parents differing in age, income, education, and ethnic/cultural backgrounds, whom all had children that were referred for genetic screening to assess hearing loss. Of this study three common themes emerged from the different families: parental background with respect for hearing loss, parental perceptions of genetics, and parental interactions with audiologists (Ewing et al. p. 60). The article also provided personal narratives from different parents within the study, resulting in different views and reactions on these themes. Information provided by the article shows that parents react very differently to the idea of genetic screening based on emotional state, situational circumstances, and pre-existing attitudes towards genetic testing. The article found that hearing parents with children of hearing loss were interested in pursuing the genetic screening. On the other hand, some parents with hearing loss were not interested to have their children partake in the genetic screening (Ewing et al. p. 58). Some of the participants wanted to know if genetics caused the hearing loss with their child, while others were not so worried because they already knew the child was deaf and did not care to know the cause. This article pertains to an emerging trend in Audiology, and it gives insight for an audiologist to know how to approach a situation pertaining to genetic screening for hearing loss. After the child is referred for a genetic screening, with parents consent they can be screened and assessed. When the parents are informed that the hearing loss is genetic their emotions can vary depending on their perceptions and experience with hearing loss (Ewing et al. p. 57). Some parents responded with relief, anxiety, and others with guilt. All of this information is important to know as an audiologist when working with an emerging trend like genetic screening for hearing loss. In this particular study, parents had very mixed emotions from one to another about this entire process. For an audiologist it is important to be very aware of genetics and genetic processes in order to assist the families appropriately. It is also important for audiologist to be aware of the families understanding on the information that is provided to them, they may need more clarification if they do not fully comprehend the information they need to know. These families also seek support, information, and counseling through an audiologist, it is imperative that they are prepared to provide these services to the concerned parents and children.  Although this article did a very small study on individuals who were associated with genetic screening for hearing loss, it seemed to be valid information due to the distribution between age, ethnic/cultural background, income, and education. The study is important to genetic screening because it is a new field within the practice. It provides audiologist with ideas of how parents may react and information on how to handle those situations.

[|Journal Article] If you have trouble accessing my link, It was because I had to purchase the article. If you are an ASHA Member you can find the article online. The citation is below.  Ewing, R., Kaimal, G., Krantz, I., Lewis, K. M., Li, Y., Soslow, L. P., Steinberg, A. (2007). Parental Narratives of Genetic Testing for Hearing Loss: Audiologic Implications for Clinical Work with Children and Families. //American Journal of Audiology.// (Vol. 16 p. 57-67).

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