Social coaching: applying Keyes' Model of Social Wellbeing to audiological support for older adults with hearing loss.

Abstract

Objective: To propose the application of Keyes's Model of Social Wellbeing to guide hearing care professionals (HCPs) in providing social coaching to address the impact of hearing loss on social wellbeing in older adults.

Design: A discussion paper introducing Keyes's Model of Social Wellbeing and its application in enhancing the social wellbeing of older adults with hearing loss. Qualitative insights and evidence from various studies are provided to support the application of the proposed model. Examples of how HCPs can use social coaching to help address the effects of hearing loss on social coherence, integration, acceptance, contribution, and actualisation are provided.

Study sample: N/A.

Results: Hearing loss significantly impacts all five constructs of Keyes's Model of Social Wellbeing, leading to challenges in social coherence, integration, acceptance, contribution, and actualisation. Effective social coaching by HCPs can mitigate these impacts by providing tailored support, enhancing communication skills, and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Conclusions: Integrating social coaching into audiology practice and policy, guided by Keyes's Model, can improve social wellbeing for older adults with hearing loss. This person-centred approach requires HCPs to understand the social implications of hearing loss and deliver targeted interventions to support their clients' social and emotional needs.