Couple Challenges When One Spouse Acquires Hearing Impairment in Later Life: Recommendations From a Focus Group of Marriage and Family Therapists

Keywords

couples, hearing loss, family therapy, aging, focus groups

Abstract

We conducted an exploratory study of clinical recommendations for working with clients where one spouse has a hearing loss. A focus group with marriage and family therapists indicated themes around couple processes, possible hearing loss situations in therapy, and related aspects of the therapist–client relationship. Specifically, therapists suggested that gender influences, communication processes, and caregiver processes were likely to influence couple dynamics. Therapists identified hearing loss issues to address in therapy, such as alterations in communication routines and coming to an acceptance of the loss. They also recommended intervention techniques, such as treating the hearing loss of one spouse as a systemic challenge and providing psychoeducation. Last, they suggested that clinicians be aware of aspects of the therapist–client relationship that might reflect, or be a parallel process to, couple dynamics related to hearing loss.

Original Publication Citation

Yorgason, J.B., Piercy, F.P., & Piercy, S.K. (2010). Couple challenges when one spouse acquires hearing impairment in later life: Recommendations from a focus group of Marriage and Family Therapists. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 21, 180-196.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2010-09-08

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7565

Publisher

Journal of Family Psychotherapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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