Profound Hearing Loss: Addressing Barriers to Hearing Healthcare

Abstract

The impact of profound hearing loss on infants and adults is variable and greatly influenced by improved audition derived from hearing aids and cochlear implants. However, barriers to healthcare, hearing healthcare in particular, can offset the benefits provided by these sensory devices. Common barriers include cost, location, availability of trained professionals, acceptance of the hearing loss, language and cultural differences, secondary disabilities, and mental health issues. These barriers and their distinct presentations vary somewhat by age, language, and where people live (urban vs. rural), and can interfere with receiving testing and devices in a timely manner. They also can limit auditory, speech and language therapies, and interfere with acceptance of the hearing loss and devices. Rehabilitation should focus on eliminating or reducing the adverse impact of these barriers on patients and their families. Some of which can be done through professional training and multidisciplinary activities, counseling, and community outreach.

Near Vision but not Hearing Loss is Associated with Lacking a Usual Source of Health Care

“…To help address issues related to healthcare access and satisfaction with care among people with sensory impairment, there are a variety of approaches that medical offices could implement to better serve their patients with sensory loss. These approaches include training staff on the prevalence and impact of sensory loss, systematically flagging patients' medical records to help identify sensory loss and alert staff and providers, environmental modifications (e.g., improved signage and lighted walkways), improved use of sensory assistive devices (e.g., hearing aids), using larger font on paperwork provided to the patients, and community outreach (Miller et al, 2017;Pratt, 2018). Although many approaches have been suggested, research on organizational approaches to improve access to primary care services among vulnerable populations is limited and empirical evidence is lacking (Khanassov et al, 2016).…”

“…Auditory and visual sensory loss are common worldwide and increase in prevalence with advancing age (Bourne et al, 2018;Goman & Lin, 2016;Guthrie et al, 2018;Stevens et al, 2013). These sensory losses can negatively affect physical, cognitive, and social functioning and are associated with poor health outcomes, worse quality of life and mental health, suboptimal care, and increased difficulties in accessing health services and information (Cupples et al, 2012;Goman & Lin, 2018;Mikkola et al, 2016;Miller et al, 2017;Pandhi et al, 2011;Pratt, 2018;Simning et al, 2019;Spencer et al, 2009;Swenor et al, 2020;Zheng et al, 2012). Sensory loss often goes unrecognized, and people with sensory loss may have to manage physical, communication, and procedural (e.g., completing forms) barriers to accessing primary care services (de Vries McClintock et al, 2016;Miller et al, 2017;Pratt, 2018).…”

Comprehensive Community Screening of Otological Patients by Trained Technicians Using a Telemedicine Device: An Efficient and Cost-Effective Way to Triage Patients With Ear Diseases

“…2 Common barriers related to the screening and management of patients of hearing loss include cost and availability of trained professionals, acceptance of the hearing loss, language and cultural differences, secondary disabilities, and mental health issues. 10 To address these significant barriers, in 2013, Medtronic implemented the Shruti Program in 2013 and has continued to scale it. 11 Though we have come a long way with the screening of over 842 284 patients across 12 states, community motivation remains a major challenge that was evident from our study.…”

Incidence of Cochlear Implantation Among Adult Candidates in the United States

“…Recent studies emphasizing the ramifications of untreated hearing loss have redirected attention toward the expansion of hearing healthcare globally (1). Strategies to expand access to care have been broad-ranging and include legislative efforts, community outreach, hearing health program expansions, and technologic advancements (2)(3)(4)(5)(6). Although a tremendous number of resources have been assigned toward these efforts, measuring effectiveness has been challenging, particularly in the cochlear implant market.…”