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Lonely together: people with hearing loss and their communication partners' experiences of aural rehabilitation programs
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Lonely together: people with hearing loss and their communication partners' experiences of aural rehabilitation programs

Vincent Little
Southern Cross University
Masters by Thesis, Southern Cross University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.566
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Little V J Masters by Thesis 2025558.22 kBDownloadView
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Abstract

Hearing loss Communication partners Aural rehabilitation Lonely together Unit of Care
Background: While extensive research exists on patient-centred care, the scholarly literature contains limited work on family-centred care and the inclusion of family members in audiology appointments. Similarly, very few models consider patients and their families as a unit of care, aiming for a more functional, holistic approach. Hence, this study aimed, first, to provide an in-depth understanding of the experiences of adults with HL and their communication partners regarding aural rehabilitation services, and second, to provide recommendations for including adults with HL and their communication partners as a unit of care. Method: A qualitative Phenomenological research design was used to capture an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of people with HL and their communication partners. The study was conducted as an experiential phenomenon of help-seeking adults with a diagnosed HL who, with their leading communication partner (CP), had attended an audiology clinic for aural rehabilitation. They provided their understanding of aural rehabilitation services and the meanings they attach to them, capturing personal perspectives. This approach is valuable for exploring complex, subjective experiences in healthcare services. Fifteen people with HL and their communication partners participated in the study (N = 30). The age range of participants was 65-80 years. The gender of people with HL (PHL) in our sample was weighted towards males; in only three of the fifteen dyads was the PHL a woman. Semi-structured interviews were used, including open-ended questions to explore the level of support received from aural rehabilitation programs. Thematic analysis was conducted to uncover shared themes and essences that help explain the phenomenon under study. This research also incorporates a reflexive analysis to decrease the potential biases of the researcher with lived experience in the field. Results: Four key themes were identified using thematic analysis, alongside a reflective approach to ensure a nuanced interpretation, exploring participants' in-depth experiences about the phenomenon of interest. The key themes included: 1) holistic wellness beyond hearing devices; 2) the missing piece: communication partners not being heard; 3) strained bonds: the hidden cost of HL; and 4) building adaptive strength through challenges. These themes provide insights into the barriers and facilitators to including PHLs and CPs in the audiologic setting as a unit of care, and into how services can be improved to be more inclusive, holistic, and integrated for optimal care provision. Conclusion: Findings highlighted that most care services are limited to hearing devices, and dyads felt they were not truly involved in the care provision as a unit of care. They desire a more comprehensive and functional approach to their journey to help them navigate the challenges. Without holistic care and support, individuals with HL and their communication partners will continue to face significant challenges across multiple levels. These include challenges at the individual level that impact daily functioning, personal well-being, and relationships, leading to potential misunderstandings and emotional strain. In addition, at the service level, the lack of holistic support can result in inadequate access to necessary resources and interventions. Addressing these issues requires an integrated and coordinated approach that considers the diverse needs of those affected by HL, including their communication partners.

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