Persons with acquired profound hearing loss (APHL): how do they and their families adapt to the challenge?

Abstract

a b s t r a c t The study examined the impact of acquired profound hearing loss (APHL) on the relationship between the hearing impaired person and their normally hearing close family member, usually a partner, and identifi ed the kinds of adjustment leading to maintenance or deterioration of the relationship. The participants were 25 people with APHL and 25 family members, interviewed separately in their own home. Analysis of the interview transcripts adopted a grounded theory methodology. The different levels of analysis were linked in terms of a core category based on the social construction of a committed relationship. The conceptual codes were grouped as: (a) aural impairments giving rise to the need for adjustment; (b) pragmatic adjustments to spoken communication and family activities; (c) managing the adjustments without negative consequences; (d) adjustments leading to negative interaction. The results suggest that APHL places considerable strain on relationships and increases their vulnerability to failure, consistent with previous research. They highlight the need for professional support and suggest that a systemic conceptual framework is needed that includes the public response to profound hearing impairment.

From isolation and dependence to autonomy – expectations before and experiences after cochlear implantation in adult cochlear implant users and their significant others

“…(16) What are the most positive changes you have experienced with the implant? (17) What are the most negative experiences with the implant?…”

“…Even if the effects of severe to profound HI on significant others have been recognized [15][16][17], there is a limited number of previous studies examining this issue in relation to CI-users. In an evaluation of outcomes of CI in children, Archbold et al [18] used a questionnaire with the aim to capture the parental perspective of CI in children.…”

The Encounter Model and Audiological Clinical Encounters

“…Primarily hearing loss affects social interaction and relationships and manifests itself as a communication loss between the person with hearing loss (PHL) and communication partners (CPs) in addition to other types of psychosocial problems. [18][19][20][21][22] The Encounter Model suggests that hearing loss and its management cannot be separated from the broader circumstances of a patient's life, including the patient's social reality. Consequently, broadening our understanding of the patient's perspective to include the social context can in fact help audiologists better interpret patient behavior, noncompliance, and motivation for the audiological recommendations we make.…”

“…In fact, this research has shown that both the PHLs and CPs are affected in different ways by hearing loss. [18][19][20][21][22] The question of whether a CP's well-being can be influenced by communication loss is an important one for audiologists to consider. The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health 23 provides a framework for describing consequences of health conditions on daily functioning.…”

The Communication Rings: A Tool for Exploring the Social Networks of Individuals with Hearing Loss

“…[2][3][4] As hearing loss is one of the most prevalent of chronic conditions, the presence and utilization of social support structures can have a positive influence on its management. The presence of hearing loss affects the spouse or significant other in some positive 5 but largely negative [6][7][8][9][10] ways. In many cases, it is the presence of a significant other that motivates a person with hearing loss to seek help, thereby becoming a crucial component of the rehabilitation processs.…”