Importance of role models and mentors for improving care for late-deafened adults who become cochlear implant recipients.

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Read More Add to Saved list
  • Author(s): Bleckly, Felicity
  • Source:
    International Journal of Audiology. Nov2024, Vol. 63 Issue 11, p837-843. 7p.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      COCHLEAR implants; SELF-evaluation; INTERVIEWING; MENTORING; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; SURVEYS; THEMATIC analysis; ROLE models; RESEARCH methodology; ATTITUDES of medical personnel; HEARING disorders; AUDIOLOGISTS; QUALITY assurance; SOCIAL support; DISCRIMINATION (Sociology); PSYCHOSOCIAL factors; SELF-perception; SOCIAL stigma; ADULTS
    • Subject Terms:
      AUSTRALIA; SINGAPORE; UNITED States
    • Abstract:
      Objective: There were two objectives of this current study. (1) To understand the impacts of hearing loss for late-deafened adults and the experiences of support received both from hearing healthcare providers and peers. (2) To understand the types of support needed during and after a cochlear implant. Design: The study used mixed methods. A survey was posted to three cochlear implant social media groups and participants could self-select to participate in a semi-structured interview by leaving their email address. Study sample: Forty-four late-deafened adults who had also received at least one cochlear implant answered the survey and 16 people were interviewed. Results: A key finding was that most late-deafened adults did not have access to support through the progression of deafness. They often felt alone, making it difficult to maintain their sense of self while reconciling with the hearing changes forced on them. When participants had positive role models who had experienced hearing loss, or mentors who had undergone cochlear implantation, it assisted them in navigating their changing hearing status. Thus, improved connection to peers sustained self-esteem and improved coping strategies. Conclusions: The findings suggest hearing healthcare providers need to introduce a mentoring and support structure for connected care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
    • Abstract:
      Copyright of International Journal of Audiology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)