The research, presented in this thesis, was carried out during my first year as a mobile speech and language therapist. The study itself was based on the following problem: when faced with the same level of hearing loss, the hearing aids are differently chosen and this was indeed observed in my working place. The purpose of this masters' degree was to research how informed and experienced are the four chosen parents when selecting a hearing aid for their children with a severe hearing impairement. A qualitative method of questioning in the form of a semi-structured interview with private participation was used in the study. The results show that the loss of hearing in early childhood is reflected in the speech and language development. A child whose hearing is impaired, can hear better with an external hearing aid as well as with a cochlear implant. An early diagnose of the condition and the rehabilitation of the hearing aid is of key importance in such a situation. The results reveal that it is indeed the parents who ultimately choose the hearing aid for their child. When making this selection, the mothers and fathers, who participated in this research, helped themselves with some technical literature. A professional team directed them as well. The parents themselves said it is vital for them to be able to feel like an equal part of this team. To decide, whether the hearing aid is suitable, the mothers and fathers monitored the speech and language development of their child.
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