Note: Opinions and ideas expressed are those solely of the study authors and not necessarily of the Ida Institute.

Abstract

A chronic health condition in one family member can result in psychological distress in other members of the family. Similarly, when one individual has hearing loss, their family members often report communication and psychosocial difficulties.

The empirical evidence available about the impact of hearing loss on family members is primarily in reference to the spouses of individuals with hearing loss. This research shows that quality of life is reduced in spouses of people with hearing loss and that spouses benefit when their partners with hearing loss undergo audiologic rehabilitation. 

No previous research has focused on the impact of hearing loss on family members other than spouses. Yet, research in other fields has demonstrated differences among family members in the impact of providing care and support for a relative with a chronic condition. 

The proposed qualitative research project plans to evaluate the impact of hearing loss on adult children. The population is chosen for study based on the prevalence of hearing loss in older adults and the close contact that many adult children have with their parents.

The aim of the present study is to discover the impact that hearing loss has on the relationship of a parent with hearing loss and his/her adult child or children.

The adult children will be asked to describe how his/her parent’s hearing loss has 1) impacted their relationship, 2) impacted their communication and 3) has impacted his/her own quality of life.

The results of this analysis should be useful in the development of efficient and effective audiologic tools and subsequent rehabilitation programming.  Once the communication relationship between adult children and their parents with hearing loss are better understood, audiologic rehabilitation strategies can be developed to specifically include adult children.

Additionally, future research can determine whether the involvement of adult children in the audiologic rehabilitation process can increase the uptake of hearing aids and/or reported hearing aid benefit.  

RelatedIdaTools

This study is related to the Patient Journey Tool.  

During the Enabling Communication Partnerships seminar series we had Ida participants create a tool to assist hearing care professionals bring communication partners into the hearing care process.  

This is when we realized that there was data available to create the "spouse's journey", but there was not enough data available to create the "adult child's journey." 

Timeline

Data collection started in May 2011.  Data collection is expected to conclude by December 2011.  Data analysis is expected to be complete by April 2012.

FundingSource

Oticon Foundation

Colleagues

Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen is serving as a consultant on this project.

Publishing

Results are expected to be published.