Researchers at the University of Canterbury are looking for LGBT people to take part in nationwide study examining the effects of hearing impairment on quality of life. It is estimated that one in six New Zealanders experiences hearing impairment, the effects of which can be seen in many aspects of life, including emotional, social, and work-related effects. The researchers say previous study from overseas has shown that perception of quality of life is influenced by many variables, including age, gender, relationship status, socioeconomic status, employment status, sexual orientation, degree of hearing impairment, and use of hearing aids. To date, there has been no research examining how these variables impact on how adults in New Zealand feel about their quality of life. “The goal of this research is to eliminate health inequalities for hearing impaired adults in the NZ LGBT community by identifying quality of life factors unique to this group and improving clinical practice and engagement with this group,” the researcher say. Anyone who wants to take part needs to be over 18 and have any degree of hearing impairment. They will need to complete and return (postage paid) two questionnaires, an information sheet and results of a hearing test. Participants will receive a free diagnostic hearing test at a clinic local to them, and a petrol voucher to assist with the cost of travel to the clinic. Interested Parties Please Contact: Dr. Rebecca Kelly-Campbell Rebecca.Kelly@canterbury.ac.nz (03) 364-2987 ext. 8327
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 9th April 2013 - 12:13pm