Hearing Loss- and Hearing Aid-Related Stigma

Erler, Susan F.; Garstecki, Dean C.

doi:10.1044/1059-0889(2002/020)

Cited by 98 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Further, barriers are also associated with psychosocial aspects 21,36. Stigmatization has been frequently mentioned in previous studies23–25 and should be taken into account. By focusing on incentives for getting a hearing aid, achieving individual goals, and identifying mental and physical barriers, people with hearing impairments would be encouraged to gain skills that would benefit them in the short and long term.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…A clinical study found some low but significant correlations between attitudes and measured HL 22. Stigmatization is frequently mentioned as a significant factor for having a reserved attitude toward hearing aids 23,24. In the Valby Project, which surveys hearing in elderly people aged ≥80 years who are not provided with hearing aids, 62% of those surveyed reported a wish for a hearing aid to be “invisible”, and 28% expressed that a hearing aid “makes you old” 25.…”

Section: Introduction and Purposementioning

confidence: 99%

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Preconceptions and expectations of older adults about getting hearing aids

Solheim¹

2011

JMDH

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Aim:The objectives of this study were to describe preconceptions and expectations of older adults about getting hearing aids and to explore the influence of hearing loss (HL), hearing aid experience, gender, age, and marital status on these preconceptions and expectations.Methods:A total of 174 participants aged above 65 years were randomly selected from a waiting list for hearing aid fitting. Hearing threshold was tested using pure tone audiometry. A self-report questionnaire with a specific focus on preconceptions and expectations about getting hearing aids, external influences, and the psychosocial problems associated with HL and the use of a hearing aid was administered.Results:A factor analysis revealed three factors: positive expectations, barriers, and social pressure. Cronbach’s α was 0.847 for positive expectations and 0.591 for barriers. Cronbach’s α was not statistically applicable to the social pressure factor, as it consisted of only one item. Adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that participants with moderate to severe HL and hearing aid experience had a significant increase in positive expectations. Male gender was associated with fewer barriers to hearing aids. Age and marital status had no influence on the three factors.Conclusion:Less positive expectations and more problem-oriented preconceptions among subjects with mild HL may explain why hearing aids are scarcely used. Additionally, lower estimated need and modest plans for regular use among this group could mean hearing aids are not used. Rehabilitation should focus on investment of time, continuity of use, realistic expectations, and follow-up support.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Section: Introduction and Purposementioning

confidence: 99%

Preconceptions and expectations of older adults about getting hearing aids

Solheim¹

2011

JMDH

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“…There is a discussion within the scientific community about whether the M4 recommendation alone is appropriate for capturing presbyacusis, with it being argued that 6,000 and 8,000 Hz should be included in the evaluation 18. There have been different practices:19,20 there are at least two studies that have included the frequencies 6,000 and 8,000 Hz,21,22 but the M4 recommendation with 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz is the most used.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sensory impairments in community health care: a descriptive study of hearing and vision among elderly Norwegians living at home

Haanes¹,

Kirkevold²,

Horgen³

et al. 2014

JMDH

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BackgroundHearing and vision impairments increase with age and are common risk factors for functional decline reduced social participation and withdrawal.ObjectiveDescribe the hearing and vision of home care patients older than 80 years.MethodsNinety-three older adults (80+ years) receiving home care were screened for hearing and vision in their homes. Data were collected using a HEINE Mini 3000® Otoscope to examine the eardrum and presence of earwax, an Entomed SA201-IV portable pure-tone audiometer to measure the pure-tone average (PTAV), a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart to measure visual acuity (VA), and the Combined Serious Sensory Impairment interview guide.ResultsSlight and moderate hearing impairments were found in 41% and 47% of the population, respectively (mean PTAV =40.4 dB for the better ear), and 40% and 56% had impaired and slightly impaired vision, respectively (mean VA =0.45 for the better eye). The participants’ self-assessments of hearing and vision were only weakly correlated with PTAV and VA values. The visual function was significantly worse in men than in women (P=0.033). Difficulty in performing instrumental activities of daily living because of hearing and vision impairments was experienced by 17% of the participants, whereas 76% experienced no difficulties. When many people were present, 72% of the participants found it difficult to understand speech. Nearly 30% found it tiring to read, and 41% could not read very small print.ConclusionThe patients’ self-assessments of their hearing and vision did not correlate strongly with their VA and PTAV scores. Asking the elderly about their overall hearing and vision ability is not sufficient for detecting sensory impairment, and asking more specific questions about what they could not hear and see was not an adequate indicator of the patients’ hearing and vision problems. To detect hearing and vision impairments among elderly home care patients, standardized measurements of their hearing and vision are necessary.

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“…Previous studies have found that perceived stigma has an influence on decisionmaking processes that occur during initial acceptance of hearing loss, testing, and use of hearing aids [18]. Additionally, this stigma is not exclusive to men and is perceived by younger women as well [19]. Efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding hearing loss may increase the number of Veterans who return for follow-up visits after the comprehensive evaluation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Audiological issues and hearing loss among veterans with mild traumatic brain injury

Oleksiak

Smith

Andre³

et al. 2012

JRRD

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Abstract-We examined the prevalence, severity, etiology, and treatment of audiology problems among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). A retrospective chart review was performed of 250 Veterans with mild TBI. Results of a comprehensive second-level mild TBI evaluation and subsequent visits to audiology were evaluated. We found the vast majority (87%) of Veterans reported some level of hearing disturbance and those involved in blast injuries reported a higher incidence of hearing disturbance than those with other injury etiologies. Audiology referrals were given to 75 Veterans and 37 attended. At this visit, Veterans reported tinnitus (75.7%) and hearing loss (59.8%). Nearly half (48.6%) of Veterans were diagnosed with conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or central auditory dysfunction. An additional 24.3% of Veterans had subclinical levels of auditory dysfunction. Our study has highlighted the increased prevalence of hearing loss among OIF/OEF Veterans and, thus, the need for appropriate referrals and treatment. Strategies to address perceived stigma associated with hearing loss may increase attendance at follow-up visits. Additionally, while only a third of audiograms were found to be abnormal, advanced testing resulted in a significant percentage of our population being diagnosed with auditory dysfunction.

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Hearing Loss- and Hearing Aid-Related Stigma

Cited by 98 publications

References 16 publications

Preconceptions and expectations of older adults about getting hearing aids

Preconceptions and expectations of older adults about getting hearing aids

Sensory impairments in community health care: a descriptive study of hearing and vision among elderly Norwegians living at home

Audiological issues and hearing loss among veterans with mild traumatic brain injury

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