Adjusting with hearing loss : implications for counsellors
Date
1995
Authors
Clelland, Debra Ann
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Abstract
The experiences of persons who are adjusting with the life long process of hearing loss are examined in order to gather more information regarding this adjustment process. Thirty one participants completed the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI) and a Demographic Questionnaire, asking them specific and general information about their degree of psychological adjustment to hearing loss.
There were no significant differences in psychological adjustment level between the two groups under investigation using the CPHI: those participants who did not yet wear a hearing aid, and those who had been wearing a hearing aid for some time. However, using a direct self=rating question, those persons who had been wearing a hearing aid for some time were significantly more adjusted with their hearing loss. The specific questions on the CPHI were examined in order to determine which particular questions stood out as pertinent for a counsellor to ask a hard of hearing client. Questions which demonstrated high concern rated themselves as moderately for participants who adjusted and highly adjusted are presented, and the role of the counsellor is discussed.