Stigma silencing patients with hearing loss

Stigma has emerged as one of the largest barriers to patients seeking care for hearing loss, with a study finding one third of adults over 50 keep their condition secret out of fear of judgement.
 
The research, led by Flinders University and the University of Queensland, examined the emotional and social toll of hearing loss and why patients often do not seek care.
 
Published in the International Journal of Audiology, the study found almost 60% of people with hearing loss said others had laughed at or joked about their hearing difficulties.
 
With this leaving them feeling uncomfortable and frustrated, many patients then chose to hide their hearing loss.
 
The research, which included an online survey of more than 600 people across Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, also highlighted the difference in perspective between patients with hearing loss and the professionals who treat them.
 
It found that while clinicians focused on the stigma of hearing aids, adults are more concerned about the stigma of hearing loss itself.
 
Flinders University’s Dr Katie Ekberg said those who talked openly about their hearing loss are more likely to accept and use hearing aids, but the first conversation is the hardest part.
 
‘The more we know, the better we can support people to feel confident, seek help, and communicate openly,’ she said.
 
‘For adults with hearing loss, telling others can be a helpful step in working through stigma, though it may require support from professionals and loved ones.
 
‘For families and the broader community, raising awareness about acquired hearing loss, which often begins from age 50, can help challenge outdated stereotypes that associate hearing loss only with very old age.’
 
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elderly hearing loss stigma