Qualitative methodologies are commonly adopted in hearing loss research. Grounded theory methodology is increasingly used to establish novel theories explaining experiences related to hearing loss.

Establishing and improving the quality of grounded theory studies has been emphasized as critical to ensuring theoretical trustworthiness.

Thus, the primary aim of the present study was to systematically review hearing loss research studies that have applied grounded theory methodology and assess the methodological quality of those grounded theory applications.

Secondarily aims were to (i) explore how grounded theory methodology has been applied to investigate hearing loss, and (ii) use the findings of the review to develop a set of guidelines to aid the future high-quality application of grounded theory methodology to hearing loss research.

Original peer-reviewed studies applying grounded theory methodology and published in English were identified through systematic searches in 10 databases; Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, British Nursing Index, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EBSCO, Global Health, MEDLINE (OvidSP), PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.

The quality of studies was assessed according to 12 grounded theory principles using the Guideline for Reporting, Evaluating, and applying the core principles of Grounded Theory studies (GUREGT) tool. Data were analyzed using qualitative inductive thematic analysis.