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

Objective

People with hearing impairment have relatively smaller social networks than their normally hearing peers, and may experience more feelings of loneliness. The effects on the person with hearing impairment (PHI) can also impact their communication partners (CPs). 

This report discusses the currently available model representing the CPs within the social network context of PHI and proposes a new model.

StudyDesign

The 'Communication Rings' Tool proposed and developed by the Ida Institute is discussed.  The study finds that the Tool is too simple to represent the complexity and the dynamic nature of the CP's role in the life of PHI, which highlights the need for a new model.

Results

The study suggests a model named 'Communication World' based on the analogy of the solar system, may help overcome some of the problems identified. Clinical examples of how to apply this model and its usefulness in rehabilitation are presented.

Conclusions

The study concludes that the new model could provide novel information and also have the additional visual advantage of helping the CPs understand the problems of the PHI.

RelatedIdaTools

This study is related to the Communication Rings and GPS Tools.  

Publishing

Manchaiah, Vinaya K. C., and Dafydd Stephens (2011), "Models to represent communication partners within the social networks of people with hearing impairment." Audiological Medicine 9:3, 103-109.