Life consequences and positive experiences reported by communication partners of people with hearing impairment: A pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain insights into the life consequences and positive experiences reported by the communication partners (CPs) of person with hearing impairment (PHI). Open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine CPs who were recruited through the Swansea Hard of Hearing Support Group. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results identified a number of life consequences and positive experiences of CPs and PHIs as reported by the CPs. The main life consequences experienced by both CPs and PHIs were related to communication and psychological aspects. The main positive experiences for the CPs were related to personal development and improved relationships and for PHIs were related to the use of hearing loss for self-advantage. Surprisingly, most of the participants were able to identify at least one positive experience. The study also suggested that open-ended questionnaires were a good way to understand life consequences and positive experiences by CPs and such responses can be further elicited by providing some prompts through a semi-structured interview. The study method and results could be useful in involving CPs in audiological enablement/rehabilitation sessions. These findings add to the growing literature that reported positive experiences can be used during counseling sessions, to motivate the PHIs and their CPs and to boost their positive morale.