Studies on Stigma Regarding Hearing Impairment and Hearing Aid Use Among Adults of Working Age: A Scoping Review
Disability and Rehabilitation
Ruusuvuori, J. E., Aaltonen, T., et al. (2021).
Disability and Rehabilitation, 43(3), 436-446.
This systematic review investigates the effect of perceived stigmas on hearing aid use in working-aged adults with gradually acquired sensorineural hearing loss.
Academy of Finland
January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2017
Peer-reviewed, original studies
17
Working-age adults with hearing loss report concerns "about the visibility of the hearing aid and how it may change their appearance" (p. 4). Four studies investigating hearing aid perceptions of this population found that individuals described "hearing aid use as a negative appearance stigmatizing their identity" (p. 14). Participants expressing these negative views indicated they would not use hearing aids despite the potential for improved hearing. Two studies found potential hearing aid users who had previously never worn a hearing device significantly decreased their negative perceptions of hearing aids after participating in a trial or in social support groups. Additional research on the effects of stigmatization and social relationships on hearing device use is needed.
