Outcomes of ChildrenOutcomes Study
The "Outcomes" study, as it is most commonly known, aims to examine the longitudinal development of children who have been identified with hearing loss in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The first phase focuses on development up to 5 years of age.
Participants:
How many and where from
We aim to enrol over 400 children via Australian Hearing and early intervention centres.
How to join
At the centres,written information about the aims, procedures and duration of the project will be provided to all families of children under the age of 3 years who are newly identified with hearing loss. To find out more about the study, please contact us.
Informed consent
Families will be given contact details of named members of the research team, and will be able to freely contact the researchers to discuss and ask questions. Families will be aware that participation is voluntary and that they are able to withdraw their child at any stage without explanation and consequence on the services they receive from Australian Hearing and intervention centres. Families will also be provided with contact details of an impartial Ethics Committee representative who will be able to address any concerns they may have about participation. Parents/caregivers will be given an informed consent form and will return a signed form.
What is involved, and for how long
On enrolment, the children’s development will be monitored after they first receive hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. At several intervals after fitting, researchers will administer a range of age-appropriate tests. Each evaluation involves two 3-hour sessions at the hearing centre or early intervention centre where a child normally receives services. During a visit, the child’s ability to communicate verbally, to perform tasks according to verbal instructions and to repeat what’s heard will be assessed. In addition, parents/caregivers and teachers will be asked to complete questionnaires and to provide verbal reports on their children’s behaviour in real life. One assessment of non-verbal intelligence will be administered to the child when he/she turns 5 years of age.
Confidentiality: How your information is protected
Confidentiality of all data will be protected by use of identifying codes. All data will be kept in locked cabinets in our data storage area and accessible only to authorised project staff. No individual will be identifiable in reports or software that arises from the study.
Website: www.outcomes.nal.gov.au