Experiences of adults with an acquired hearing loss and cochlear implant users and their families

Abstract

Hearing loss, particularly acquired hearing loss, is affecting larger numbers of people each year as the population grows and ages. Those who have previously had good hearing but are now experiencing a noticeable loss will be forced to navigate the life they had become accustomed to in a way that was previously unknown them. The purpose of this review is to explore the experiences of adults coping with an acquired hearing loss, to develop an understanding of what they are working to overcome and how best they can be supported. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and subsequently analysed using thematic synthesis. Following database searches, 1280 papers were identified and screened. After data screening had been completed and checked, 13 studies were included in the review. Using the Thomas and Harden (2008) method for thematic synthesis, four analytic themes were developed which were: Strengthening Internal Resources to Accept Hearing Loss, Experiencing Emotional Challenges Associated with Hearing Loss, Distancing the Self from Hearing Loss Related Distress and Making Effort to Improve Their Situation.
The findings from this review highlight the efforts that are made to control or improve the situation, and experiences of isolation, both as a response to distress and as a result of communication difficulties following hearing loss. Clinical recommendations include screening for psychological distress and developing rehabilitation strategies that can be delivered in a group format.

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ORCID for Ben Ainsworth: orcid.org/0000-0002-5098-1092

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