Embodying hearing loss: confronting the issue and adjusting to a new norm

To understand how older adults living with hearing loss cope with and manage their hearing loss.
Grounded theory methodology with a patient-oriented approach was used to generate a theory grounded in data obtained from older adults living with hearing loss. Constant comparative analysis was used.
Participants included 68 individuals aged 50 years and older with self-reported hearing loss living in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
We report on two theoretical constructs of the psychosocial process of embodying hearing loss. ‘Confronting the issue’ captures individuals’ experiences after they reached a turning point in acknowledging their hearing loss journey and began searching for services and supports that includes (1) accessing services and supports, (2) receiving the diagnosis, and (3) teasing out options. ‘Adjusting to a new norm’ describes participants’ experiences as they started to navigate their life with hearing loss that includes (1) benefits and challenges living with a hearing assistive device, (2) developing coping strategies, and (3) envisioning a future living with hearing loss.
Embodying hearing loss includes both understanding the concept of hearing loss and engaging with the challenges, emotions and experiences associated with it to help promote understanding, support and inclusion in society for those affected by hearing loss.

本研究旨在了解听力损失老年群体如何应对并管理自身的听力损失问题。
本研究采用以患者为中心的扎根理论（Grounded Theory）方法论，基于加拿大纽芬兰与拉布拉多省听力损失老年群体的调研数据构建相关理论，并运用持续比较分析法（Constant Comparative Analysis）开展研究。
研究共纳入68名年龄在50岁及以上、自我报告存在听力损失且居住于加拿大纽芬兰与拉布拉多省的受试者。
本研究报告了内化听力损失的社会心理过程的两个理论构念："直面问题"（Confronting the issue）涵盖了受试者在意识到自身听力损失历程并迎来转折点后，开始寻求相关服务与支持的经历，具体包括（1）获取服务与支持、（2）接受诊断、（3）梳理可选方案；"适应新常态"（Adjusting to a new norm）则描述了受试者开始适应伴听力损失的生活的经历，具体包括（1）使用听力辅助设备（Hearing Assistive Device）的获益与挑战、（2）制定应对策略、（3）构想伴听力损失的未来生活。
内化听力损失，既包含对听力损失概念的理解，也涵盖直面与之相关的挑战、情绪与经历，旨在助力社会加深对听力损失群体的理解、提供支持并推动包容。