One in three adults over the age of 50 conceals their hearing loss, often because they fear being judged or dismissed. Despite greater public discussion around accessibility and inclusion, stigma remains a powerful barrier that prevents many from seeking the help they need. A newly published special issue of the International Journal of Audiology reveals the persistence of these negative perceptions and their real-world consequences.
The international research program featured in the issue brought together eight studies that examine how stigma influences the experiences of adults with hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who provide support. The work was led by Dr Katie Ekberg of Flinders University and Professor Louise Hickson AM of The University of Queensland, who emphasise that while hearing loss is often seen as a practical or technical issue, the emotional and social toll can be just as significant.
In Australia alone, around 3.6 million people live with some form of hearing loss. Yet the condition is not just about missing sounds or struggling in noisy settings. Left unacknowledged, hearing difficulties can erode confidence, contribute to social withdrawal, and are linked to loneliness, memory problems, and even depression. The research also found that nearly 60% of adults with hearing loss had been laughed at or ridiculed, experiences that often led to embarrassment and reinforced their decision to keep quiet about their condition.
To explore these experiences in depth, the team drew upon a wide range of methods: interviews, surveys, and even real-world video recordings of interactions between adults with hearing loss, their partners, and clinicians. An extensive online survey, completed by more than 600 participants across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, provided further evidence of how widespread stigma remains. The scope of the study makes it one of the most comprehensive investigations into this issue to date.
One striking discovery was the difference in perspective between those experiencing hearing loss and the clinicians who support them. Professionals tended to emphasise the stigma associated with hearing aids, whereas adults with hearing loss described their most significant concern as the stigma of the condition itself. Far from viewing modern hearing aids as embarrassing, many participants praised them as discreet, high-tech tools that improved quality of life. What proved more difficult was taking the first step of admitting the need for support.
Encouraging open conversations is therefore vital. The research shows that individuals who talk openly about their hearing loss are more likely to embrace hearing aids and other forms of assistance. Yet disclosure is often fraught with anxiety. Dr Ekberg points out that clinicians can help by asking gentle, straightforward questions such as “Who have you told about your hearing loss?” In doing so, professionals can gain insight into the personal barriers their clients face and provide reassurance that sharing these challenges is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Challenging public stereotypes also matters. Too often, hearing loss is still associated exclusively with advanced old age, when in reality it commonly begins in midlife. Raising awareness of this fact, alongside providing supportive resources, is a crucial step in breaking the silence. To that end, the research team has developed practical tools—including infographics for clinics and community settings—to spark discussion and reduce stigma. By reframing hearing loss as a normal, manageable condition rather than a hidden burden, the findings call upon families, professionals, and society at large to speak more openly, paving the way towards greater understanding and connection.
More information: Katie Ekberg et al, To tell or not to tell? Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families: introduction to the special issue, International Journal of Audiology. DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651
Journal information: International Journal of Audiology Provided by Flinders University
