The Effects of an Internet & E-Mail Education Intervention on the Psychological Well-Being of Senior Deaf Adults

The 1990's saw a virtual explosion of technological advancements which now provide the deaf with tools to fully mainstream. Hearing loss, visual impairment, difficulty walking, and chronic pain are only a few of the physical disabilities that make social interaction more difficult for older adults. Many older adults are confronted with social and emotional isolation which is associated with adverse health outcomes and diminished quality of life. One population that is high risk for loneliness and social isolation in their environment is the deaf and hard-of-hearing especially if they lack access or the knowledge to use assistive technological devices. Computers, particularly as they are used to access the internet, can be especially effective assistive devices for older deaf and hard-of hearing individuals. The purpose of this pilot study was to detect and describe any effects of an internet and e-mail education intervention on the psychological well-being, operationalized by loneliness and affect-balance scales, of senior deaf adults. A sample size of 12 volunteers in the intervention group and 8 in the comparison group was obtained for this project. A total of four 90-minute classes were taught weekly by a qualified computer consultant. The instruction included basic computer training to computer use, such as how to log on, manipulation of the mouse, file management, and access to the internet and e-mail. Although there were no statistical significant treatment effects, the project provided valuable anecdotal information about the feasibility of introducing computer technology to deaf and hard-of-hearing adults. Overall, 2 study participants reported that the goals they had set were met by the study experience, and the majority of the participants expressed a desire to learn more.