Toward Alleviating the Stigma of Hearing Aids: A Review

Overview

Journal Audiol Res

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Otorhinolaryngology

Date 2024 Dec 27

PMID 39727610

Authors

Edward Madara

Achintya K Bhowmik

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Despite the significant advancements in hearing aid technology, their adoption rates remain low, with stigma continuing to be a major barrier for many. This review aims to assess the origins and current state of hearing aid stigma, as well as explore potential strategies for alleviating it. This review examines the societal perceptions, psychological impacts, and recent technological advancements that can influence hearing aid adoption and reduce stigma. A narrative-focused review of the literature from peer-reviewed journals and reputable sources was conducted, analyzing papers on hearing aid stigma, adoption rates, and technological solutions. The research works were categorized based on their focus on the drivers and alleviation strategies for the stigma of hearing aids. This review identifies stigma as a complex, multifaceted issue driven primarily by ageism, disability perception, and the association of hearing aids with aging and incapability. Despite technological improvements, the studies surveyed listed stigma as a major factor in non-adoption. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence in sound processing, multifunctional features, and innovative design have shown potential in reducing stigma and improving user experience. Alleviating the stigma of hearing aids requires a multi-pronged approach, combining improvements in technology with changes in societal perceptions. Multifunctional devices including both health and communications functions, advanced signal processing, and esthetic improvements can drive their adoption, but broader public health awareness and education are also essential to changing societal attitudes and fostering greater acceptance of hearing aids.

References

Shukla A, Harper M, Pedersen E, Goman A, Suen J, Price C . Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020; 162(5):622-633. PMC: 8292986. DOI: 10.1177/0194599820910377. View

Fabry D, Bhowmik A . Improving Speech Understanding and Monitoring Health with Hearing Aids Using Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Sensors. Semin Hear. 2021; 42(3):295-308. PMC: 8463124. DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735136. View

Gazia F, Portelli D, Lo Vano M, Ciodaro F, Galletti B, Bruno R . Extended wear hearing aids: a comparative, pilot study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022; 279(11):5415-5422. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07445-0. View

Alvarado B . Perceptions about Hearing Aids from Elderly Non-Users: A Bicultural Point of View (Italy and USA). Audiol Res. 2015; 1(1):e26. PMC: 4627142. DOI: 10.4081/audiores.2011.e26. View

Desai N, Beukes E, Manchaiah V, Mahomed-Asmail F, Swanepoel D . Consumer Perspectives on Improving Hearing Aids: A Qualitative Study. Am J Audiol. 2024; 33(3):728-739. DOI: 10.1044/2024_AJA-23-00245. View

Dawes P, Emsley R, Cruickshanks K, Moore D, Fortnum H, Edmondson-Jones M . Hearing loss and cognition: the role of hearing AIDS, social isolation and depression. PLoS One. 2015; 10(3):e0119616. PMC: 4356542. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119616. View

Gallagher N, Woodside J . Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Adoption and Use: A Qualitative Study. J Am Acad Audiol. 2018; 29(4):300-312. DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.16148. View

Ng J, Yuen Loke A . Determinants of hearing-aid adoption and use among the elderly: a systematic review. Int J Audiol. 2015; 54(5):291-300. DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2014.966922. View

Diehl P, Singer Y, Zilly H, Schonfeld U, Meyer-Rachner P, Berry M . Restoring speech intelligibility for hearing aid users with deep learning. Sci Rep. 2023; 13(1):2719. PMC: 9932078. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29871-8. View

10.

Zhang M, Tang E, Ding H, Zhang Y . Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Communication Sciences and Disorders: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2024; 67(11):4369-4390. DOI: 10.1044/2024_JSLHR-24-00157. View

11.

Stockton M, Francis H, West J, Stelmach R, Troutman Adams E, Kraemer J . Development of Measures for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Stigma: Introduction to the Special Supplement on Stigma Measurement Tools. Ear Hear. 2024; 45(Suppl 1):4S-16S. PMC: 11414531. DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001543. View

12.

McCormack A, Fortnum H . Why do people fitted with hearing aids not wear them?. Int J Audiol. 2013; 52(5):360-8. PMC: 3665209. DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.769066. View

13.

Fell J, Voas R . Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): the first 25 years. Traffic Inj Prev. 2006; 7(3):195-212. DOI: 10.1080/15389580600727705. View

14.

Ruusuvuori J, Aaltonen T, Koskela I, Ranta J, Lonka E, Salmenlinna I . Studies on stigma regarding hearing impairment and hearing aid use among adults of working age: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil. 2019; 43(3):436-446. DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1622798. View

15.

Wasano K, Kaga K, Ogawa K . Patterns of hearing changes in women and men from denarians to nonagenarians. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2021; 9:100131. PMC: 8315603. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100131. View

16.

Wallhagen M . The stigma of hearing loss. Gerontologist. 2009; 50(1):66-75. PMC: 2904535. DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnp107. View

17.

Lin F . Age-Related Hearing Loss. N Engl J Med. 2024; 390(16):1505-1512. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMcp2306778. View

18.

Deng L, Chen J, Li D . Factors Influencing Intentions of People with Hearing Impairments to Use Augmented Reality Glasses as Hearing Aids. Behav Sci (Basel). 2024; 14(8). PMC: 11352043. DOI: 10.3390/bs14080728. View

19.

Ekberg K, Hickson L . To tell or not to tell? Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families: introduction to the special issue. Int J Audiol. 2023; :1-11. DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651. View

20.

Sindi A, Hanbazazah K, Alamoudi M, Al-Harbi A, Aljuhani M, Zawawi F . The Hearing Aid Effect in the 2020s: Where Do We Stand?. Cureus. 2023; 15(4):e38302. PMC: 10148682. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38302. View