Serving Clients With Hearing Loss: Best Practices in Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

This article examines the risk factors and characteristics of clients with hearing loss, including inequitable access to education and mental health care services, financial barriers, communication problems, and societal discrimination. Culturally specific counseling approaches and techniques for mental health counselors serving clients with hearing loss are presented, with a focus on building counselor competency and client employment skills. The use of interpreters in therapeutic settings is also discussed.

Deaf adults and health care: Giving voice to their stories

“…As described in the literature, the greatest challenge between healthcare providers and culturally Deaf adults is communication. Communication problems are not related to intelligence but in the uniqueness of ASL as a visual language that may not be readily translated into English (Fusick, ). Differences in communication, culture, and linguistics between healthcare providers and their Deaf patients often lead to misinterpretation, misdiagnosis, and stereotyping.…”

“…Deaf patients may be neglected by members of the healthcare team. Communication challenges leave many Deaf adults reluctant to seek care such as for mental health, despite a desire to receive such care (Fusick, ).…”

Conquering the Unknown: Exploring the options

“…Fusick (2008) recommends a client-centred approach to counselling the hearing impaired, maintaining a primary emphasis on the interests of the client together with their strengths and abilities, and avoiding perceived limitations. One cannot assume, but rather must determine the appropriate assistance required for each client.…”

Counseling Deaf College Students: The Case of Shea

“…Additionally, Deaf students who are from hearing home communities often have experienced aloneness and isolation resulting from the inability of their family members and peers to communicate effectively with them. Communication problems at home and school can contribute to poor self-esteem and a high external locus of control, as well as hinder the identity development process (Fusick, 2008). Many Deaf students also struggle with reading and writing in American English because it is their second language and because they often receive inadequate academic preparation (Fusick, 2008).…”

“…Communication problems at home and school can contribute to poor self-esteem and a high external locus of control, as well as hinder the identity development process (Fusick, 2008). Many Deaf students also struggle with reading and writing in American English because it is their second language and because they often receive inadequate academic preparation (Fusick, 2008). In fact, it is estimated that only 8% of Deaf students enrolled in higher education read at the eighth-grade level or higher (Allen, 1994).…”