Date of Award

2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (College of Arts and Science)

First Supervisor

Dr Denise Buiten

Second Supervisor

Associate Professor Cathy Bettman

Third Supervisor

Dr Louise St Guillaume

Abstract

This thesis explores the perceived impact of hearing impairment on the mental health and well-being of Australian adults, responding to a growing need to understand how hearing challenges affect people beyond clinical or audiological measures. While hearing impairment is commonly framed through medical or functional models, its psychosocial effects remain underexplored, particularly in relation to stigma, identity, and mental well-being. This study addresses that gap by centring lived experience and examining how adults with hearing impairment navigate everyday life, social expectations, and systemic barriers. Grounded in a constructivist-interpretivist paradigm and informed by a disability studies lens, the research investigates the cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of hearing impairment across personal and professional contexts. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 Australian adults who self-identified as having hearing impairment. Thematic analysis of the transcripts revealed psychological challenges linked to communication difficulties, societal attitudes, and the limitations of hearing aids. Participants described the cumulative effects of external judgement and internalised stigma, which contributed to emotional distress, social isolation, and pressure to ‘pass’ as able-bodied. At the same time, the study identified expressions of resilience and agency, including self-advocacy, community connection, and a range of coping strategies. These accounts highlight the need to move beyond clinical definitions and audiometric criteria to acknowledge the broader psychosocial dimensions of hearing impairment. Key barriers were identified, including financial and accessibility challenges related to assistive technologies, as well as systemic shortcomings in recognising and addressing the everyday impact of hearing impairment. By challenging deficit-based and medicalised narratives, this research offers a more nuanced understanding of how hearing impairment is experienced and negotiated. It foregrounds the voices of those directly affected, revealing underexplored dynamics of exclusion, adaptation, and identity. These insights provide a foundation for inclusive mental health strategies, informed policy development, and advocacy that reflects the complexity of lived experience.

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