One in three adults over 50 are keeping their hearing loss a secret, often because they fear being judged.
A large-scale international research program has found that hearing loss is still linked to stereotypes about ageing and disability, which can stop people from seeking help.
The special issue of the International Journal of Audiology, featured eight research papers reporting results that explore how stigma affects adults with hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who support them.
Led by Dr Katie Ekberg from Flinders University and Professor Louise Hickson AM from The University of Queensland, the study highlights the emotional and social toll of hearing loss and why it's time to talk about it.
Around 3.6 million Australians live with some level of hearing loss. It's not just about missing sounds-it can lead to low self-esteem, loneliness, memory problems, and even depression.
Nearly 60% of people with hearing loss said others had laughed at or joked about their hearing difficulties, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and frustrated. Many choose to hide their hearing loss, which can make things worse.
Dr Ekberg says understanding how people feel about hearing loss is key to improving care.
"The more we know, the better we can support people to feel confident, seek help, and communicate openly," she says.
The research involved interviews, surveys, and real-world video recordings with adults who have hearing loss, their partners, and hearing care professionals. It also included a large online survey of more than 600 people across Australia, the US, and the UK.
One of the most striking findings was the difference in perspective between people with hearing loss and the professionals who treat them.
While clinicians focused on the stigma of hearing aids, adults were more concerned about the stigma of hearing loss itself. In fact, many described modern hearing aids as discreet, high-tech, and helpful.
Importantly, those who talked openly about their hearing loss were more likely to accept and use hearing aids. But for many, that first conversation is the hardest part.
Dr Ekberg says asking simple questions like "Who do you tell about your hearing loss?" can help professionals understand the emotional barriers their clients face.
"For adults with hearing loss, telling others can be a helpful step in working through stigma, though it may require support from professionals and loved ones," says Dr Ekberg from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
"For families and the broader community, raising awareness about acquired hearing loss-which often begins from age 50-can help challenge outdated stereotypes that associate hearing loss only with very old age."
The research team has now developed practical resources to support adults with hearing loss, hearing care professionals, families, and the general public. These include infographics that can be displayed in clinics or used as conversation starters with clients and other health professionals.
The special issue "To Tell or Not to Tell: Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families" edited by Dr Katie Ekberg (Flinders University) and Professor Louise Hickson (The University of Queensland) was published in International Journal of Audiology. DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651
Acknowledgements: The special issue includes eight papers from a project funded by the Hearing Industry Research Consortium.
