e-Pedagogium 2026, 26(1):34-49 | DOI: 10.5507/epd.2026.009

Parents´ experiences with community music therapy for children with hearing impairment

Peter Kusý, Ivana Guliš Vlasatá
Katedra pedagogických štúdií, PdF TU v Trnave, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovenská republika

The study aimed to explore parents' experiences with community music therapy for children with hearing impairment and to identify areas in which they observe positive changes. The study addressed three research questions: (1) in which areas parents perceive positive changes in their children after participation in music therapy, (2) which music therapy activities they consider most beneficial, and (3) what their experiences are regarding the course of the sessions and the approach of the music therapist. A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten parents of children aged 2-8 years who had participated in regular music therapy sessions during the previous six months. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Parents perceived music therapy as a meaningful activity, as they associated it with positive changes in children with hearing impairment. Identified areas of change included communication, motor skills, cognitive abilities, auditory perception, musical skills, and social interaction. Parents also naturally linked these outcomes to specific music therapy activities (singing, playing musical instruments, rhythmic activities, music-and-movement games, and improvisation) and highlighted key principles of the therapeutic process, such as empathy, professional competence, and diversity of methods. Despite predominantly positive experiences, parents also pointed to barriers, particularly the limited availability of music therapy services. The findings suggest that music therapy can represent a beneficial supportive approach for children with hearing impairment and highlight the need for further research focusing on its accessibility and implementation in practice.

Keywords: community music therapy; children with hearing impairments; parents' experiences; communication skills; musical activities; qualitative research.

Received: July 5, 2025; Revised: February 2, 2026; Accepted: February 15, 2026; Published: June 30, 2026  Show citation

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Kusý, P., & Guliš Vlasatá, I. (2026). Parents´ experiences with community music therapy for children with hearing impairment. e-Pedagogium, 26(1), 34-49. doi: 10.5507/epd.2026.009
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