Deaf signers and hearing aids: motivations, access, competency and service effectiveness

Abstract

Objectives

This study concerns culturally Deaf signers in the UK who use hearing aids and (i) explores motivations for hearing aid use (ii) identifies barriers and facilitators to accessing NHS hearing aid services, (iii) examines cultural competency of hearing aid clinics and (iv) identifies factors influencing effective adult hearing aid service provision.

Design

Online survey in British Sign Language and English that was informed by Deaf service users.

Study sample

75 Deaf adult BSL users who wear hearing aids and use NHS hearing aid clinics.

Results

No specific reason emerged as outstandingly important for hearing aid use; however, assisting with lipreading (57%) and listening to music (52%) were rated as very/extremely important. Access issues reported were contacting clinics, poor communication with staff and lack of Deaf awareness. To be an effective and culturally competent hearing aid clinic for Deaf signers, a good understanding of Deaf culture and language was most rated as important (87%).

Conclusion

The study is the first that explores hearing aid use and experiences of accessing hearing aid clinics from Deaf signers’ perspectives. Enhancements to clinical practice are required to consider culturally Deaf people’s motivations for hearing aid use and make services more BSL-friendly.

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Keywords:

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

Acknowledgment

The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research – Hearing Health theme.