Article

The objectives of this paper are as follows: (1) propose an explanatory
model as to how hearing disability may impact on health and (2) examine the
model's utility. METHODS: Data were collected on the psycho-social wellbeing,
disability and physical health of farmers (n = 56) participating in an
intervention to manage the social impacts of hearing disability.
Two models were
proposed and examined using multiple hierarchical linear regression. Model 1 used
self-rated quality of life and model 2 used capacity to manage hearing and
listening impairments, as dependent variables. RESULTS: The analyses found that
physical measures of hearing impairment (audiograms) were not correlated with
physical or mental health outcomes. However, in model 1, self-confidence and
self-rated ability to manage hearing impairment were most closely associated with
reduced quality of life (anxiety and diastolic blood pressure were positively
associated with quality of life). In model 2, higher anxiety and reduced
self-confidence were associated with decreasing ability to successfully manage
one's hearing impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the explanatory model
that stress is higher and wellbeing lower when the fit between the person's
coping capacity and environmental demands is poor. IMPLICATIONS FOR
REHABILITATION: This paper demonstrates that anxiety is associated with coping
with the psycho-social aspects of hearing disability. This finding has important
implications for the many hearing services, which only provide assessment and
devices. To negate anxiety and its long-term impacts, rehabilitation providers
need to ensure people with hearing disability have the capacity to manage the
psycho-social aspects of communication breakdown.

Langue : ANGLAIS