An ecological approach to disability and handicap in relation to impaired hearing

A contrast of perspectives can be witnessed in individualist versus collectivist approaches to the definition of handicap resulting from hearing impairments and disabilities. The individualist approach tends to neglect the possibility of intervention at the level of the environment of the person with impaired hearing, while the collectivist approach tends to neglect the adaptations the individual may make to overcome hearing difficulties. An ecological approach is advocated giving attention to the system of interactions, both disabling and enabling, among various components: persons, environments and interfaces. Implications for audiological practice are indicated under several headings, ranging from physical and social environmental interventions to evaluation of individual needs.