Examining the Utility of Photovoice as an Audiological Counseling Tool

Abstract

Photovoice is a participatory action research method in which people take photographs to represent real-world experiences, so that issues of interest/concern can be documented. There are no published studies in which photovoice has been used in audiological rehabilitation (AR). The purpose of this feasibility study was to examine whether photovoice could have application in audiology.A feasibility study was designed to determine whether photovoice could be adapted for use as a clinical auditory rehabilitation tool (1) to facilitate provision of tailored communication strategy counseling, (2) as a post–hearing aid fitting counseling tool, (3) to enhance communication between partners regarding hearing loss, and (4) to provide an understanding of the emotional impacts of hearing loss.In this combined qualitative and quantitative feasibility study, a photovoice intervention was given to four groups of participants.Twenty-four individuals were recruited from a research subject data repository at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research.The study involved two visits to the laboratory during which participants received instruction in photovoice methodology (visit 1) and then, one to two weeks later, discussed their photographs during a debriefing session (visit 2).The mean number of photographs taken by participants was 12.6 (range: 4–29); the mean duration of the debriefing sessions was 40:39 min:sec (range: 14:30–66:22 min:sec). Participants reported that participating had made them think more about their hearing problems, appreciate their hearing aids more, and be more aware of the situations in which their hearing aids did and did not help. The taking and discussion of the photographs was also described as a learning tool, and it had facilitated conversations with others about hearing problems. Participants who completed the study with their communication partner (use case 3) said it had assisted with problem-solving and gave insight into the perspective of their partner. The research team noted that photovoice facilitated highly tailored counseling and provision of evidence-based recommendations for hearing assistive technology, enhanced interaction between communication partners, provided insight into participants’ lifestyle and communication needs, and seemed to generate rapport and trust.This feasibility study indicated that participants were willing to engage in photovoice and that it could be used to guide selection of rehabilitation recommendations and for postfitting counseling. Its application in audiological practice would seem timely and valuable for improving patient-centered and family-centered AR.

Using an Online Tool to Apply a Person-Centred Approach in Audiological Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

“…Our findings of the LWT’s usability contribute to broader findings for the validity of using visual aids in exploring needs; recent research has used a photovoice methodology where participants documented their hearing and communication experiences by taking photographs, which produced highly person-centred results. These included tailored counselling and recommendations, improved insight into lifestyles and interactions between communication partners, and improved relationships with clinicians [ 42 ].…”

Feasibility of the HEAR-aware App for Hearing Loss Self-Management: A Nonrandomized Intervention Study to Examine Intervention Acceptability and the Stages-of-Change Concept

“…Both EMA survey forms functioned to elicit awareness of hearing difficulties and the identification survey additionally served to select acoustically tailored snippets. Photographs and notes served to further promote hearing awareness and facilitate evaluation of the listening situations ( Saunders et al 2021 ). The short informative texts served to educate participants about sound and speech perception.…”

Guidance on Providing Patient-Centered Care

“…55 An example of a simple intervention that supports these goals is called "photovoice," wherein patients who are comfortable taking pictures with cellphone cameras are invited to take photos of events and situations throughout their week and email them to the audiologist, with a sentence briefly explaining what the picture meant to them. 56 The photos serve as the focus of subsequent appointments, provid-ing personalized context for communication concerns. In addition to working out some problem-solving strategies, patients also report the process prompted personal growth experiences such as increased awareness of listening challenges, more mindfulness of better hearing when hearing aids were in use, becoming comfortable with discussing hearing loss with people they were photographing, and engaging family members more in their adjustment process.…”