Hearing loss affects much more than a person’s ability to hear, often impacting relationships, social participation, emotional wellbeing and quality of life – but despite the availability of support, many people are reluctant to ask for help.
A new review by Flinders University reveals that psychosocial barriers such as stigma, denial, fear of judgement and reluctance to disclose hearing difficulties can prevent people from seeking help, even when effective hearing care is available.
More than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss, including 430 million people with disabling hearing loss. The World Health Organization estimates this number could grow to more than 700 million by 2050.
Yet despite the widespread impact of hearing loss and the availability of effective support, many people wait years before seeking help.
Lead author Dr Katie Ekberg from Flinders University’s College of Health and Enablement says people with hearing loss often face significant emotional and social challenges in daily life.
“People with hearing loss may have difficulty following conversations, which can lead to frustration, embarrassment, social withdrawal, and strain on relationships,” says Dr Ekberg.
“Family members and partners are often affected too, as they report misunderstandings, reduced enjoyment of social activities, and emotional stress”.
“These experiences can affect wellbeing, relationships, and participation in activities that many of us take for granted.”
Denial, minimising hearing difficulties, and concerns about stigma are among the most common barriers that prevent people from seeking support.
Some people worry they will be judged negatively if they disclose their hearing loss, while others actively try to conceal their difficulties from colleagues, friends, and even family members.
“Hearing loss is often an invisible condition, with many people trying to conceal their difficulties – but this can create additional stress and may prevent them from accessing support that could improve their quality of life,” says Dr Ekberg.
“Partners and loved ones are often the first to notice hearing difficulties and are frequently the driving force behind arranging a hearing test when communication at home becomes challenging.”
However, attending a hearing appointment does not necessarily mean someone is ready to take the next step. People may downplay the impact of their hearing loss, attribute problems to background noise or other people mumbling, or focus on situations where they can hear well rather than discuss their struggles.
“Seeking help is often a journey rather than a single decision,” says Dr Ekberg. “Understanding the emotional and social barriers people face allows hearing care professionals, families, and communities to provide support in a more compassionate and effective way.”
Hearing loss affects almost 20% of the global population, so the researchers say reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations are critical to help more people access care, maintain relationships, and stay connected to the people and activities that matter most.
The chapter – ‘Psychosocial Barriers People Experience When Living with Hearing Loss’ by Dr Katie Ekberg (Flinders University) and Dr Barbra Timmer (The University of Queensland) – has been published in the book by Karen Muñoz, and Michael P. Twohig (eds), Person- and Family-Centered Care in Audiology: Incorporating Counseling and Psychosocial Support in Hearing Care.
DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780198935223.003.0003
