Hospital referral and family adjustment in acquired deafness

Structured personal interviews concerning the social and vocational aspects of acquired hearing loss were carried out with 105 people aged between 24 and 56 years. The data obtained included participants' experiences of hospital referral and the level of information provision. It was found that despite the majority being referred for ENT and audiological consultation immediately by their doctors, few of them received advice regarding the best strategy for adjustment, or for communication. Difficulties in communication in the family environment existed as distance from speaker or numbers of people increased. There was also a decline in contact with relatives and neighbours for a significant minority. Deafness created a two-way problem, equally placing a strain on hearing members of the family. Irritation and frustration was reported, as was the feeling of loneliness. As the majority suffered only a mild hearing loss, the findings gave cause for concern and confirmed the need for an effective rehabilitation and advice structure.