1. The audiological rehabilitation of workers with hearing loss in the UK: a qualitative study of workers' perspectives.
- Author
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Zuriekat M, Alqudah S, Semeraro H, Watson V, Rowan D, Kirby S, and Ferguson M
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Female, United Kingdom, Middle Aged, Adult, Interviews as Topic, Audiology, Correction of Hearing Impairment, Persons With Hearing Impairments rehabilitation, Qualitative Research, Hearing Loss rehabilitation
- Abstract
Purpose: Unaddressed hearing loss can adversely affect employment and day-to-day work-life. Efficient and effective audiology support can help optimise hearing in the workplace. This study explores the audiological rehabilitation experiences of workers with hearing loss (WHL)., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four WHL with experience of a wide range of audiology services across the UK participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis., Results: Three main themes were generated: Theme 1: mixed experiences with audiology services (subdivided into two subthemes and four sub-subthemes). Theme 2: audiology role in work support (subdivided into three subthemes). Theme 3: "I think support could be improved if…" (subdivided into two subthemes)., Conclusion: The audiological rehabilitation for working-age adults with hearing loss needs improvements to deliver sufficient support and quality care. Some of the barriers to having better-functioning hearing healthcare require fundamental standards in healthcare quality, such as access to services, staff (including audiologists) deaf awareness, information and technology support, and personalised care that considers work-life needs. Further research is required to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of improvements, such as support that extends beyond hearing aid care, whether from audiology or non-audiology services.
- Published
- 2024
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