Understanding the nature and function of positive experiences in living with auditory disablement

Abstract

The aims of this study were threefold; to generate a variable pool describing positive experiences associated with hearing disability; to determine if ability to identify positive experiences associates with specific demographic and audiological characteristics; to establish whether there are differences between the positive experiences cited in terms of perceived “helpfulness” in living with auditory disablement. A convenience sample of 207 audiological rehabilitation patients completed an open‐ended questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. 40% of respondents listed one or more positive experiences. Ability to identify positive experiences associated with age (t=4.98;p<0.001, occupational group (X²=6,42;p<0.02) and previous use of a hearing aid (X²=9.7;p,0.002). An analysis of respondents’ positive comments generated five core themes ‐ Positive audiological experiences, Self enhancement, Environmental Factors which improve social participation, Positive outcomes and outlooks and Positive social participation. An analysis of “helpfulness” ratings using the visual analogue scale found no difference between the most common positive experiences cited.