Abstract
Design: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted in BSL by the Deaf researcher and analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach.
Study sample: Eight Deaf BSL expert informants who were experienced users of NHS adult hearing aid clinics.
Results: Participants expressed dissatisfaction about audiology staff’s lack of Deaf awareness and did not feel valued as Deaf signers. Participants’ motivations for hearing aid use primarily concerned audibility rather than speech. Mismatch of perspectives on ‘hearing’ between audiologists and Deaf patients are discussed in the context of culturally sensitive services. Inadequate or uncertain linguistic access during appointments is considered in light of patient agency.
Conclusion: This is the first study to explore culturally Deaf signers’ specific experiences of adult hearing aid services in the UK and their experiences of hearing aids. There are numerous reasons why Deaf signers wear hearing aids, but access to spoken language is not a priority. Limited Deaf awareness and cultural competence in adult hearing aid services can result in patient frustration and disempowerment. Suggestions for improvement in the Deaf signing patient experience are offered.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Audiology |
| Volume | 61 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Jul 2021 |
Keywords
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Audiology
- Hearing Aids
- Patient Experience
- Cultural Competence
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Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring the Lived Experiences of British Sign Language (BSL) Users who access NHS Adult Hearing Aid Clinics: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
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Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD)
Munro, K. (PI), Millman, R. (PI), Lamb, W. (Support team), Dawes, P. (PI), Plack, C. (PI), Stone, M. (PI), Kluk-De Kort, K. (PI), Moore, D. (PI), Morton, C. (PI), Prendergast, G. (PI), Couth, S. (PI), Schlittenlacher, J. (PI), Chilton, H. (PI), Visram, A. (Researcher), Dillon, H. (PI), Guest, H. (Researcher), Heinrich, A. (PI), Jackson, I. (Researcher), Littlejohn, J. (Researcher), Jones, L. (PI), Lough, M. (Researcher), Morgan, R. (Researcher), Perugia, E. (Researcher), Roughley, A. (Researcher), Whiston, H. (Researcher), Wright, C. (Support team), Saunders, G. (PI), Kelly, C. (PI), Cross, H. (Researcher), Loughran, M. (Researcher), Hoseinabadi, R. (PI) & Vercammen, C. (PI)
Project: Research
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Services improvement (SORD)
Young, A. (PI), Ferguson-Coleman, E. (Researcher), Rogers, K. (Researcher), Dodds, C. (PGR student), Iturriaga Seguel, C. (PGR student), Oram, R. (PGR student), Russell, J. (PGR student) & Hulme, C. (PGR student)
Project: Research
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Health and wellbeing (SORD)
Young, A. (PI), Ferguson-Coleman, E. (Researcher), Rogers, K. (Researcher), Dodds, C. (PGR student), Iturriaga Seguel, C. (PGR student), Oram, R. (PGR student), Russell, J. (PGR student) & Hulme, C. (PGR student)
Project: Research