Taringa Whakarongo: Kaumātua & whānau experiences of hearing loss & hearing healthcare in Tāmaki Makaurau

Abstract

In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), hearing loss is a critical public health concern. There however remains limited research to address the current gaps in hearing healthcare (HHC) for older Māori. This Kaupapa Māori study entitled ‘Taringa Whakarongo’ aims to explore the experiences of kaumātua and whānau, and perspectives of health providers on hearing loss and hearing service provision for kaumātua and their whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland region). This research brings forward kaumātua and whānau realities of hearing loss and HHC. Ten face-to-face whānau interviews with twelve kaumātua and seven whānau members were conducted. Subsequently, virtual focus groups were completed – one with nine HHC professionals (HHCPs) and another with six Māori Health Professionals (MHPs) who currently practice in Tāmaki Makaurau. Through a Kaupapa Māori lens and reflexive thematic analysis, it was identified the sense of hearing is important and a taonga for Māori elders. However, impacts of colonisation and the societal stigma of hearing loss continue to impact kaumātua with hearing loss. Narratives from kaumātua, whānau, HHCPs, and MHPs exposed several barriers in accessing HHC: the HHC system is embedded within Western models of health, lack of opportunities for Māori involvement in service provision and poor HHC support for whānau, navigating the HHC system is complex, unaffordable cost and location of services, difficulties in accessing information, and poor HHCPs-client/whānau communication and relationships. Kaumātua and their whānau have the right to good hearing health and access to whānau-centred HHC that is free of discrimination in order for them to access te reo Māori, (re)connect with whakapapa, be well and safe, and feel a sense of belonging within their communities. Based on the study findings, several recommendations and challenges to the Crown and the HHC profession have been proposed. This study highlights the need for research and transformation of services and education that is self-determined by Māori to better understand and inform policies relating to HHC for Māori. It is hoped that the information gathered from this study will begin transforming the provision of HHC services for Māori. As well as open up more hearing health research opportunities that are by, for, and with Māori, other underserved populations in NZ, and Indigenous peoples worldwide.