OAR@UM Collection:

Tympanostomy tubes and bone-conduction hearing aids in children with cleft palate : intervention outcomes

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Tympanostomy tubes and bone-conduction hearing aids in children with cleft palate : intervention outcomes Abstract: Children with cleft palate (CP) are highly susceptible to conductive hearing loss (CHL) due to chronic eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and middle ear effusion (MEE). Tympanostomy tubes (TTs), better known as grommets, and bone-conduction hearing aids (BCHAs) represent the most common interventions; however, direct comparative evidence in this population remains limited. This study involved a multiple case study design integrating quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Six children with CP, their caregivers, and nine healthcare professionals (HCPs), which included three ENT specialists, two audiologists, and four speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also participated in this study. Audiological and medical records provided secondary quantitative data of hearing thresholds and tympanometric outcomes, while semi-structured interviews explored lived experiences, clinical decision-making, and perceptions related to intervention effectiveness. Quantitative analyses showed improvements in aided hearing thresholds among children who used a BCHA, specifically the bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) softband, with stable aided performance over time. In contrast, TTs outcomes were perceived as beneficial but in the short-term, as often extrusion of TTs was followed by recurrence of MEE. Qualitative findings indicated that both intervention options supported speech and language development; however, HCPs viewed BCHAs as providing more stable and long-term hearing access in this cohort. Parents valued multidisciplinary team (MDT) support and empathetic communication but identified delays, inconsistent follow-up, and limited information at diagnosis as persistent challenges. Given the findings, the need for structured protocols, clearer MDT coordination, and improved information sharing within Malta’s clefthearing services is underscored. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

The awareness of paediatric hearing loss across medical, educational and social settings in Malta

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The awareness of paediatric hearing loss across medical, educational and social settings in Malta Abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate educators’, general practitioners’ and caregivers’ awareness towards paediatric hearing loss. The current study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods to reach its’ aim. Three questionnaires for the three studied populations were designed by the researcher following analysis and reading of literature. These questionnaires explored the level of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding paediatric hearing loss and aimed to identify gaps in understanding, referral practices, and perceptions of early detection and intervention in these populations. A one-to-one interview with an audiologist was conducted to explore professional perspectives on the current awareness, misconceptions, and challenges surrounding paediatric hearing loss across medical, educational, and parental contexts. It aimed to gain deeper insight into interdisciplinary collaboration, parental reactions to diagnosis, and strategies for improving awareness and support for affected children and their families, while also contextualising the findings and highlighting systemic strengths and challenges within the Maltese context. The data gathered from the questionnaire was analysed statistically using SPSS while the data gathered from the interview was analysed qualitatively through a conversational and thematic analysis. Results revealed variability in awareness across groups. Among educators, nearly half had experience teaching a child with hearing loss, yet a substantial proportion reported limited familiarity with the condition despite generally recognising its effects on speech, language, and social-emotional development. While participants were generally aware of common classroom accommodations such as preferential seating and visual aids, familiarity with assistive technologies and sign language was lower, and the majority had received no formal training on supporting children with hearing loss. Nonetheless, all educators expressed strong interest in receiving additional training and resources, highlighting a clear demand for structured professional development in inclusive and auditory support practices. General practitioners demonstrated high awareness of paediatric hearing loss and recognised the importance of newborn screening. They identified common causes such as ototoxic drugs, infections, otitis media, and trauma, and consistently associated speech or language delays and lack of response to sound with potential hearing loss, though awareness of recurrent otitis media as a cause was moderate. Most participants had received no formal training, but most expressed strong interest in further education, highlighting the need for enhanced training and clearer guidance to support early detection and referral. Caregivers generally perceived their understanding of paediatric hearing loss as fair, indicating moderate awareness of the condition, and most attributed hearing loss to genetic factors or prenatal infections, with fewer recognising environmental causes. The majority considered hearing testing at birth important, and nearly all acknowledged that hearing loss can affect a child’s language and speech development, though some were unsure where to access testing. Most caregivers were aware of grommets as a treatment option, although around one-third were unfamiliar with or unsure about this intervention. In the interview, the audiologist mentioned the rising awareness about paediatric hearing loss since the implementation of the newborn screening, more specific referrals by ENT consultants, social stigma, parental emotional reactions to an early diagnosis, the need for support and multidisciplinary team collaboration and accessibility to information. This study highlights the need for accessible professional training and creation of awareness campaigns for educators, general practitioners, and caregivers to improve awareness, early identification, and effective management of paediatric hearing loss. It underscores gaps in practical knowledge, familiarity with screening processes, and confidence in implementing classroom accommodations or referral practices. Additionally, the findings emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the provision of targeted resources to support children with hearing impairments and their families. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

Life experiences and coping mechanisms in working adults with auditory processing difficulties

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Life experiences and coping mechanisms in working adults with auditory processing difficulties Abstract: This study explored the real-life experiences of working adults with auditory processing difficulties. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants who self-identified as neurodivergent and expressed the wish to participate in this study. None of the participants were ever diagnosed for neurodivergence. Prior to this, All participants had participated in audiological tests for auditory processing difficulties, not for provision of formal clinical diagnosis but for identification of performance patterns which could signify presence of auditory processing difficulties. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: cognitive and emotional regulation, communication and social integration, focus and cognitive anchoring tools and identity, and belonging and neurodivergent expression of auditory processing difficulties. Participants described a constant demand to manage sensory overload and cognitive fatigue while maintaining professional performance. Despite the lack of formal workplace accommodations, many adopted individualized strategies with a rather original insight, such as unconsciously adopting growth mindset techniques and navigation of social environments. The findings highlight the importance and increased awareness of a holistic approach to cognition. By attaining insight from the participants, the study advocates for the need of auditory processing difficulties to be understood holistically through a cognitive lens, recognizing that challenges which may extend beyond listening alone. Interventions targeting attention, memory, and emotional regulation — even those unrelated to listening — can significantly enhance daily coping. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

The quality of life of adults with tinnitus in Malta

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The quality of life of adults with tinnitus in Malta Abstract: The aim of this research was to explore tinnitus severity and quality of life among adults living in Malta. This was achieved through three main objectives: validating the Maltese Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), identifying predictors of tinnitus severity and examining the impact of tinnitus severity on quality of life, including physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects. A cross-sectional design was employed. Fifty-one participants (mean age = 61.49 years) took part in the study. Participants provided their responses using three instruments: the Maltese TFI, the WHOQOL-BREF, and a demographic-health questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including non-parametric group comparisons, correlations, and regression modelling, were conducted to address the three research questions. Findings indicated that the newly translated Maltese TFI exhibits excellent internal reliability (α=.844−.985), complemented by strong face and content validity. One English subscale (Sense of Control, α = .662) fell below acceptable levels, supporting the linguistic cultural appropriateness of the Maltese version of the TFI. Findings showed that the variable ‘Head and neck injury’ emerged as the strongest predictor of tinnitus severity, significantly affecting multiple TFI subdomains and the total score (ps < .05). ‘Pharmaceutical ototoxicity risk’ was also significant, with participants at high risk reporting greater tinnitus severity compared to those at no or moderate risk (p = .020). When examining the impact of tinnitus severity on quality of life, findings show that Emotional Distress significantly predicted lower Physical Health (β = –.598, p = .009), while Relaxation difficulties predicted reduced Environmental QoL (β = .506, p = .038). Limitations included a small sample size, subgroup imbalances, reliance on self-report, lack of a control group and limited psychometric testing. Future research should use larger, more diverse samples and assess test–retest reliability and construct validity. Overall, these findings support the use of the Maltese TFI in clinical settings for screening purposes, while also highlighting the importance of trauma assessment, ototoxicity monitoring, and the integration of psychological care in tinnitus management. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)