Studies on stigma regarding hearing impairment and hearing aid use among adults of working age: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: Research on stigma has been criticized for centering on the perceptions of individuals and their effect on social interactions rather than studying stigma as a dynamic and relational phenomenon as originally defined by Goffman. This review investigates whether and how stigma has been evaluated as a social process in the context of hearing impairment and hearing aid use. Materials and methods: Systematic literature searches were conducted within four major databases for peer-reviewed journal articles on hearing impairment and hearing aid rehabilitation. In these, 18 studies with stigma, shame or mental wellbeing as the primary research interest were identified. The reports were examined for their methodology, focus and results. Results: The reviewed studies used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, questionnaires and interviews being the most common methods. All studies concentrated on the participants' experiences or views concerning stigma. Studies examining the social process of stigmatization were lacking. Most studies pointed out the negative effect of stigma on the use of hearing aids. Conclusions: In order to understand the process of stigmatization, more studies using observational methods are needed. Moreover, additional research should also focus on how stigma as a social and relational phenomenon can be alleviated.

Older adults’ perceptions of current and future hearing healthcare services in Australia, England, US and Canada

“…20 Despite these concepts being first identified 25 years ago, public awareness campaigns and programs to address these HHC problems have been limited. 21 Importantly, the past 25 years have seen rapid technological advances, generational shifts of those requiring hearing services from post-WWII generation to baby boomers, and greater information access through social media. Yet these challenges remain.…”

Uptake of Hearing Aids and Hearing Assistive Technology in a Working Population: Longitudinal Analyses of The Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing

“…Previously reported data from the American National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement indicated that employees with severe HI were approximately half as likely to report receiving accommodations compared with employees with other disabilities ( Zwerling et al 2003 ). In addition, two studies on stigma surrounding HI suggested that there is a reluctance to disclose an HI in the workplace ( Wallhagen 2010 ; Ruusuvuori et al 2019 ). Without this disclosure, accommodations will not be considered.…”

The Effect of Social Media Use on Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults with Self-Reported Hearing Impairment: An Empirical Study

“…Although they may receive care or social support (i.e., more attention from surrounding individuals or organizations), the actual number and quality of their social interactions are low [51]. On the other hand, the physical disability caused by hearing impairment may make them think that they are incomplete, which may cause them to have low self-esteem or other negative emotions [52]. Although hearing impairment can be improved by using hearing aids, it may still lead them to actively reduce their face-to-face social interaction [52].…”

“…On the other hand, the physical disability caused by hearing impairment may make them think that they are incomplete, which may cause them to have low self-esteem or other negative emotions [52]. Although hearing impairment can be improved by using hearing aids, it may still lead them to actively reduce their face-to-face social interaction [52]. Social media can alleviate the social anxiety that comes from faceto-face communication, which can promote people's social interaction online.…”