Disclosing Hearing Loss: Managing Boundaries Surrounding a Stigmatized Identity

Authors

  • Brittany N. Lash University of Dayton

Keywords:

disclosure, individuals with disabilities, hearing loss, hard of hearing, deaf, communication privacy management theory

Abstract

The decision to disclose for disabled individuals is a complicated one as it is often a dilemma between gaining access to accommodations or social support and avoiding stigma. Furthermore, should they decide to disclose, these individuals must then make decisions surrounding how to disclose their disabilities to others. Using interactive interviews and communication privacy management theory, this study examines the ways in which hard of hearing and deaf individuals manage boundaries surrounding their hearing loss. Participants discussed various core and catalyst criteria that shaped the boundary management process. They also discussed how they go about disclosing if they should decide to disclose.

Author Biography

Brittany N. Lash, University of Dayton

Brittany N. Lash is currently an Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of Dayton. She graduated with a B.S. from Ohio University in Organizational Communication and then went on to pursue both her MA and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Brittany Lash’s primary research interests focus on the intersections between health and interpersonal communication. A particular passion in disability studies and the communication issues surrounding individuals with disabilities has driven much of her research as she strives to give a voice to individuals within this population.

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Published

2023-08-29

Issue

Vol. 17 (2023)

Section

Articles

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