The experience of stigma related to hearing loss and hearing aids: perspectives of adults with hearing loss, their families, and hearing care professionals

Abstract

Objectives To explore when and how stigma-induced identity threat is experienced by adults with hearing loss (HL) and their family members (affiliate stigma) from the perspectives of adults with HL, their family members, and hearing care professionals. Design Qualitative descriptive methodology with semi-structured interviews. Study sample Adults with acquired HL (n = 20), their nominated family members (n = 20), and hearing care professionals (n = 25). Results All groups of participants believed that both HL and hearing aids were associated with stigma for adults with HL. Two themes were identified, specifically: (1) an association between HL and hearing aids and the stereotypes of ageing, disability, and difference; and (2) varied views on the existence and experience of stigma for adults with HL. Hearing care professionals focused on the stigma of hearing aids more than HL, whereas adult participants focused on stigma of HL. Family member data indicated that they experienced little affiliate stigma. Conclusions Stigma-induced identity threat related to HL and, to a lesser extent, hearing aids exists for adults with HL. Shared perceptions that associate HL and hearing aids with ageing stereotypes were reported to contribute to the identity threat, as were some situational cues and personal characteristics.