Using phenomenology and action research to assist adults with hearing impairment to achieve positive life outcomes

Abstract

Progressive hearing impairment in adulthood is often accompanied by debilitating psychosocial problems including major disruptions to a person's ability to communicate orally. This research describes the story of how phenomenology and action research are employed in more visual ways with adults with degenerative hearing impairment in an attempt to enable them to accomplish more acceptable life outcomes. Descriptive analysis, in the form of dialogic, introspective and retrospective phenomenology, is used to capture a deep understanding of the pertinent life experiences of eight individuals who are hard of hearing. Individual action research case studies are then conducted with two members of the original sample. Information obtained from the descriptive analysis enables participants to identify a specific challenge to address in order to achieve a positive life outcome. The phenomenology-action research approach was found to be both suitable and effective for all individuals engaged in this study, particularly for those who completed the action research process. It is, therefore, recommended that further research and development be conducted into the collaborative use of this approach in which the rehabilitation professional works in close co-operation with the individual experiencing progressive hearing impairment to achieve more empowering and selfaffirming life goals.