How do adults with hearing loss, family members, and hearing care professionals respond to the stigma of hearing loss and hearing aids?

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the perspectives and experiences of adults with hearing loss (HL), their family members, and hearing care professionals on how they respond to the stigma of HL and hearing aids (HAs).

Design: Qualitative descriptive approach using semi-structured interviews.

Study sample: Three participant groups were recruited, including 20 adults over the age of 50 years with HL, 20 family members who had a close relationship to the adults with HL, and 25 hearing care professionals.

Results: Three themes described how adults with HL, family members, and hearing care professionals respond to the stigma of HL and HAs, namely: (1) some people tell others about their HL and HAs and some people don't; (2) telling or not telling depends on the situation; and (3) people deal with the stigma of HL and HAs in different ways.

Conclusions: This study revealed a range of volitional responses to the stigma of HL and HAs. People affected by HL may not tell others about their HL and/or HAs because of the stigma, and these volitional responses are influenced by situational cues. Adults with HL and family members manage the stigma of HL and HAs in different ways and require a person-centred approach.

Keywords: Stigma; assistive technology; deaf; hearing aids; hearing loss; help-seeking.