Exploring the lived experiences of British Sign Language (BSL) users who access NHS adult hearing aid clinics: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Objective

To explore the lived experiences of culturally Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users who access adult hearing aid services.

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.

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© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Keywords:

• British Sign Language
• audiology
• hearing aids
• patient experience
• cultural competence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Cue et al. (2019) defines d/Deaf by following the naming conventions advanced by Woodward (1972) under which the word deaf is capitalized or not depending upon whether audiological status (deaf) or cultural and linguistic affinity (Deaf) is being discussed.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research – Hearing Health theme. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.