Outcomes of group audiological rehabilitation for unaided adults with hearing impairment and their significant others.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a group audiological rehabilitation (GAR) program designed for working adults who do not use amplification and for their significant others.

METHOD

A quasirandomized control design was used to measure outcomes of the GAR program. Twenty-four couples participated in weekly GAR group sessions designed to address communication problems encountered in the workplace and at home. Twelve couples were placed on a waiting list as a control group. Assessments were completed at time frames prior to the sessions, post-waiting list, immediately after the sessions, and 12 weeks after. These included direct measures for the adults with hearing impairment, proxy measures from the significant others, and direct measures for the significant others.

RESULTS

Results indicated adults with hearing impairment and their significant others experienced significant improvements following participation in the GAR program. These improvements were maintained in the short term (12 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

Working adults with hearing impairment who do not use amplification can benefit from GAR sessions. Significant others of working adults with hearing impairment experience third-party disability, which can also be alleviated through participation in GAR sessions.