Exploring the perceptions of people from South Asian backgrounds about hearing loss and hearing services

Mahroof, Simra (2025) Exploring the perceptions of people from South Asian backgrounds about hearing loss and hearing services. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

Preview

Text Simra Mahroof PhD Thesis_Final Version_Final Award November 2025.pdf - Accepted Version Download (5MB)

Abstract

Background and Purpose- The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of people from south Asian ethnic backgrounds living in Birmingham about their hearing loss and hearing services. Hearing loss can have a significant impact on quality of life, causing anxiety, depression, and isolation. Despite the importance of hearing, there is a scarcity of research in the field of hearing loss among people from south Asian communities. The literature review identified a gap in the field of knowledge where perceptions of south Asian communities about hearing loss and hearing services have not been explored previously.

Methodology- This study was based on qualitative methodology, where constructivist grounded theory was used to address the research aim. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants belonging to south Asian backgrounds through purposeful sampling and later snowball sampling. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed developing categories and sub categories. Results- Exploring the views of people from South Asian backgrounds resulted in three main categories: ‘importance of family, ‘dismissing hearing issue as a health concern’ and ‘subconsciously adapting to hearing loss’. These categories led to the emergence of a core category: ‘Collective Me’, which highlights the main concept of how hearing loss is perceived among people of South Asian backgrounds and their views on accessing hearing services. The research findings led to the development of ‘The Explanatory Model of Hearing Health in South Asian Communities’ which illustrates and explains how hearing loss and hearing services are perceived and provides some insights into how access to hearing services can be improved.

Conclusion- The study found that in South Asian communities, the collectivist culture and opinions of family are given high priority when considering hearing loss and hearing services. In addition, people from South Asian backgrounds do not consider their hearing loss as a significant health concern and adapt to it whilst continuing with their daily lives. The explanatory model illustrates the concepts that can be used to understand why people belonging to a collectivist culture such as south Asian, may not be accessing hearing services. The model is designed to raise awareness among the South Asian communities regarding hearing health and be used to encourage them to overcome the cultural and social barriers that prevent them from seeking hearing services. It can help health professionals understand the perceptions of people belonging to South Asian communities and to adapt the service provision to cater for their needs. The model can also be used as a tool for educating healthcare trainees with aim of raising cultural awareness and to improve health inequalities. The explanatory model crystalises key aspects of my original contribution to knowledge which explicates hearing loss in a way that it has not been considered before.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 20 November 2025 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Hearing loss, hearing impairement, hearing services, hearing care, hearing aids, ethnic minority, South Asian, audiology, qualitative study, semi-structured interviews
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-05 - medical sciences > CAH02-05-02 - healthcare science (non-specific) CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-01 - health sciences (non-specific)
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	20 Apr 2026 12:26
Last Modified:	20 Apr 2026 12:26
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16978

Actions (login required)

View Item