Living with late deafness: insight from between worlds

Abstract

The psychosocial impact of 'late' deafness in adults has received little research attention. The aim of this study was to examine the views of people with experience of late deafness living in the UK. Eight participants (six male; age range 33 to 60) were interviewed by a researcher who had undergone appropriate communication skills training. In-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed. Data were analysed using framework analysis to identify themes. Becoming deafened was a devastating experience for many participants who experienced severe psychological, social, and employment consequences. They no longer felt they belonged in the hearing world, and neither did they belong in the prelingually deaf world. Onset of deafness had left them in a twilight zone between worlds and had robbed them of their identity. Whilst the support received from health and social care professionals was mixed, all participants valued the peer support and training received on an intensive rehabilitation programme delivered by deafened people. Findings provide insight into deafened peoples' psychosocial experiences and emphasize the need for support and advice.