| This dissertation is an account of the efforts undertaken by Swedish society to define and regulate people with hearing loss, in particular those labeled “Hard of Hearing.” This research approaches Hard of Hearing as a social position—a series of moments and places in which hearing difficulties become marked and remarkable, in which action is taken by a variety of personnel to define, regulate and maintain hearing difficulties in culturally-relevant ways. The theoretical framework builds on ethnomethodology (Garfinkel 1967a) and the anthropology of science (e.g., Rapp 1999), as well as the work of Varenne and McDermott (1998).; From July 1998 through November 1999, multi-sited participant-observation, interviewing and archival research was conducted at Swedish hospitals, governmental institutes, conferences, manufacturer laboratories and homes. Audiologists' everyday practices while diagnosing and treating patients are highlighted, and the (narrative) journey of a “typical patient” through Hard of Hearing moments is presented, illuminating patient intersections and negotiations with institutions, economies, ideologies, medical personnel, and technologies. Various patient and audiologist responses and interpretations of these interactions are then presented.; The research asks: “How are people in Sweden made Hard of Hearing through cultural practices, and what do they do about it?” Sweden is thought of as a “good place to have a disability,” providing almost complete cradle-to-grave health care, assistive technology, and access to society. In order to rationally, fairly, and economically distribute care according to social and political goals, the Swedish state defines and regulates populations which will benefit. Medical professions and advocacy groups also help to define and serve those with hearing loss.; By revisiting Foucault's (1977) exploration of the examination, however, it is found that Hard of Hearing is always situational, momentary, fleeting. Although the Swedish state works mightily to define and regulate hearing loss, this work does not in the end control what people do with it. Certainly there are moments when Hard of Hearing is particularly salient, where patients cannot escape state-organized constructions of hearing loss. But there are many more moments when there are other possibilities, when one can “play” with hearing loss, choosing to hide, ignore, or embrace it. |
