In Aotearoa, the overrepresentation of Māori adults in hearing loss statistics is contributing to a largely unaddressed public health issue. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased rates of depression, social isolation, communication issues, early retirement and cognitive decline, as well as a decreased ability to engage with cultural practices. Currently Māori face more barriers to accessing culturally appropriate care. They are underserved as current hearing healthcare services are designed for the Pākehā majority. The goal of this project was to explore Māori adults’ experiences and perspectives of te reo Pākehā and te reo Māori audiology assessments, expanding on previous research into the development and validation of a Te Reo Māori Digit Triplet Test (TRMDTT).

This research used Kaupapa Māori Research methodology to conduct semi-structured interviews with research partners who previously participated in a project validating TRMDTT. The interviews were analysed using reflective thematic analysis and two key themes were identified. Theme One (‘That’s not for me’) showed many barriers exist for Māori adults accessing hearing healthcare in Te Waipounamu. Theme Two (‘The more tikanga the better’) suggests more partnership and integration of mātauranga Māori and tikanga alongside the development of te reo Māori hearing assessments is the way forward for creating equitable hearing healthcare services. While the development of te reo Māori hearing assessments is a step in the right direction, this research suggests larger structural and organisational transformation to hearing healthcare provision in Aotearoa is required. Alongside consideration of cultural safety at both an individual clinician and organisational level action needs to be taken to help break down some of the barriers Māori face to accessing hearing healthcare.