Synopsis
Funded by a 2019 IDA Institute clinical research grant, audiologists Anne Griffin and Taylor Burt aimed to explore how the benefits of group aural rehabilitation could be made accessible to people with hearing loss in rural Newfoundland. At the Genomic-Based Research and Development Centre for Health in central Newfoundland, input from research participants and community members with hearing loss has identified gaps in care for hearing loss and created an opportunity for applicable research and service. Specific common concerns seem ideal for group discussion and learning, where experience and resources shared by peers and clinicians could provide valuable help for mitigating hearing loss impact in these domains. However, low and inconsistent attendance have discouraged audiologists from attempting group learning sessions in rural Newfoundland. A person-centred approach was proposed, focusing on topics reflecting real-life concerns of participants and tailoring delivery to the rural context of Central and Western Newfoundland, where the majority of hearing loss clients drive a considerable distance to access services. Investigators hoped to illuminate a way for clinicians to leverage the power of group connection to enhance care for hearing loss and optimize resources.