The views of hearing-impaired Finns on society: knowledge, satisfaction, activity, values and attitudes

The main goal of this study was to determine how hard-of-hearing (defined as seriously impaired hearing) adults view society. Hard-of-hearing people were asked what they know about Finnish society and how active and satisfied they are as members of society. Sixty-eight adult hard-of-hearing volunteers participated by answering questionnaires mailed to them. Elements of the study were taken from the curriculum of social studies for the last year of compulsory school. The subjects had good general knowledge. They were fairly satisfied with Finnish society, except for its services for hard-of-hearing people. They were active in various association and in the life of the religious community, but not in politics. They reserved their most positive ratings for hearing-impaired people. Although their hearing loss was irritating, they had not developed their own distinct culture: they wanted to be part of the broader Finnish society, with the help of some extra services (such as the induction loop system).