A qualitative investigation of the hearing and hearing-aid related emotional states experienced by adults with hearing loss

Despite previous research into the psychosocial impact of hearing loss, little detail is known regarding the hearing and hearing-aid-related emotional states experienced by adults with hearing loss in everyday life, and how they occur. Individual remote semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analysed with reflexive and inductive thematic analysis. Seventeen participants (9 female) with hearing loss (age range 44–74 years) participated. Ten used bilateral hearing aids, four unilateral and three used no hearing aids at the time of interviews. The four main themes which emerged from the data were: identity and self-image, autonomy and control, personality and dominant emotional states and situational cost/benefit analysis with respect to use of hearing aids. This study goes beyond previous literature by providing a more detailed insight into emotions related to hearing and hearing-aids in adults. Hearing loss causes a multitude of negative emotions, while hearing aids generally reduce negative emotions and allow for more positive emotions. However, factors such as lifestyle, personality, situational control, the relationship with those in conversation and the attribution of blame are key to individual emotional experience. Clinical implications include the important role of social relationships in assessment and counselling.

尽管既往已有关于听力损失的社会心理影响的相关研究，但目前针对成人听力损失患者在日常生活中所经历的听力相关及助听器相关情绪状态，及其发生机制，仍缺乏详尽的认知。本研究对17名成人听力损失受试参与者（其中9名女性，年龄跨度为44至74岁）开展了远程半结构化访谈，对访谈音频进行录音并逐字转录，随后采用反思性归纳主题分析法完成质性分析。受访时，10名参与者佩戴双侧助听器，4名佩戴单侧助听器，另有3名未使用任何助听器。研究从数据中提炼出四大核心主题：身份认同与自我意象、自主性与掌控感、人格特征与主导情绪状态，以及与助听器使用相关的情境成本收益权衡。本研究相较于既往文献，更深入地剖析了成人听力损失患者所经历的与听力及助听器相关的情绪体验。研究表明，听力损失会引发多种负面情绪，而助听器通常可减少负面情绪并促进积极情绪的产生。然而，生活方式、人格特质、情境掌控感、对话双方的关系以及责任归因等因素，均为影响个体情绪体验的关键变量。本研究的临床启示在于，社会关系在临床评估与咨询辅导中具有重要作用。