Cultural diversity in early hearing detection and intervention: service provider perspectives

This study investigated service providers’ perspectives on the barriers experienced by families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds along the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) pathway in Victoria, Australia. Twelve service providers (i.e., hearing screening program staff and diagnostic audiologists) participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Service providers identified differences in service delivery, communication, and support needs between families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those from majority cultural and linguistic (predominantly English-speaking) backgrounds. Perceived barriers included communication difficulties, lack of access to interpreters and translated written resources, cultural factors, and practical barriers to attending appointments. Clarifying the roles of service providers, providing access to resources to support communication, and requiring service providers to participate in cultural responsiveness training are suggested as strategies to improve services for families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Findings from this study inform service provision throughout the EHDI pathway to improve care for families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.