The Self-Stigma of Hearing Loss in Adults and Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with hearing loss can internalize social stigmas, resulting in several self-perceived negative connotations, such as incompetence, cognitive impairment, and social disability. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of the social stigma associated with hearing loss on the self-stigma experienced by adults and older adults. Design: Combinations of words and appropriate truncations were selected and adjusted specifically for each electronic database. The Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study Characteristics strategy was used to delimit the scope of the review, bearing in mind the importance of a well-formulated research question. Results: A total of 953 articles were retrieved from the final search of each database. Thirty-four studies were selected for full-text reading. Thirteen were excluded, and 21 studies were ultimately included in this review. The results of this review were divided into three themes: (1) impact of social stigmas on self-stigma, (2) effect of emotions on self-stigma, and (3) other factors that impact self-stigma. The themes were related to the relationship between the individual and social perceptions reported by the participants with respect to their hearing experiences. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the impact of social stigma associated with hearing loss on the self-stigma of adults and older adults is strongly associated with the effects of aging and hearing loss, which may lead to withdrawal, social segregation, and negative self-perception.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Availability across the Spectrum of Human Skin Colors

“…One of the most devastating implications is that OTCs were intended to be an affordable introduction into receiving support for hearing loss. With BIPOC people already more likely to be living in a lower income bracket, OTCs could have been a better option to help mitigate the consequences of untreated hearing loss, such as dementia and social isolation [ 11 , 13 ].…”

“…This design choice was made primarily due to the stigma associated with individuals wearing hearing aids being viewed as elderly or disabled. While the stigma has slowly become less prevalent in recent years, most users still prefer more discreet devices [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Having the option for hearing aid shells that blend into the user’s skin or hair color is an important consideration for hearing aid companies to consider when developing product colorways.…”

“…Hearing aids are often associated with negative aspects of aging, so much so that the, “Hearing Aid Effect” was coined to describe the stigma that people wearing hearing aids experience [ 14 , 21 , 22 ]. This stigma can lead to not only a reduced uptake in hearing aids but an increase in social isolation, loneliness, and negative self-perception [ 11 , 21 ]. Notably, a study on perceptions of hearing aids indicated that the “Hearing Aid Effect” is present for brightly colored hearing devices, but not ones matching skin tone [ 23 ].…”

Audiologists’ attitudes and practice toward referring for psychosocial intervention with cochlear implant patients

“…Psychosocial consequences of hearing loss are far-reaching and encompass various aspects of individuals’ lives. Research has shown that hearing loss is associated with social isolation and loneliness [e.g., ( 1 – 3 )], stigma [e.g., ( 4 , 5 )], anxiety and depression [e.g., ( 6 )], reduced family and community engagement [e.g., ( 7 )], and psychological distress [e.g., ( 8 )]. Negative psychosocial effects extend beyond the person with hearing loss.…”