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OBJECTIVE: Adults with hearing loss (AHL) often report feeling fatigued after being in situations that require prolonged listening, an experience referred to as listening-related fatigue. We conducted focus groups to identify key domains and constructs of listening-related fatigue. Our goal was to create a theoretical framework for understanding listening-related fatigue that could guide the development of a reliable and valid assessment tool. DESIGN: Eight focus group discussions were conducted using a moderator's guide. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analysed to identify common themes related to listening-related fatigue. A hierarchical coding manual was developed iteratively as new themes and subcategories were identified during the analysis process. STUDY SAMPLE: = 3). RESULTS: Qualitative analyses revealed the multidimensional nature of listening-related fatigue for AHL, including physical, mental, emotional, and social domains. These varied experiences were influenced by the external (acoustic/environmental) characteristics of the listening situation, the internal state of the listener (cognitive/motivational), and coping strategies implemented to modify the listening experience. The use of amplification had both positive and negative effects on listening-related fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: For some AHL, the consequences of listening-related fatigue can be significant, negatively impacting their quality of life. Data from these focus groups provides a framework for understanding the experience of listening-related fatigue among AHL. This is a critical first step in the development of a tool for measuring listening-related fatigue in this at-risk group.
Davis et al. (Tue,) studied this question.