Perceptions of hearing loss and hearing technology among the general public and healthcare providers: a scoping review

Abstract

Objectives Synthesise literature related to perceptions of hearing loss and hearing technology (hearing aids, cochlear implants) among the general public and healthcare providers who do not specialise in ear and hearing care.Design Scoping review.Data sources We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline) in August 2023 for peer-reviewed articles from inception to 2023.Eligibility criteria Peer-reviewed articles or grey literature published in English or Spanish and that were observational or mixed methods were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if they presented results from original research focused on perceptions of hearing loss and/or hearing technology among the general public and/or healthcare providers who do not specialise in ear and hearing care.Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers extracted and verified study data, which are synthesised in tables and in the text.Results Twenty-nine peer-reviewed articles were included, 21 of which focused on samples of the general public and 8 on samples of healthcare providers. Perceptions about persons with hearing loss and the use of hearing technology are varied but often negative. The general public and healthcare providers often perceive hearing loss as less serious than other health conditions, including other sensory impairments. In many settings worldwide, the perception that non-biomedical factors, such as curses or evil spirits, can cause hearing loss is common. Importantly, studies showed training that aimed to raise awareness about hearing loss might improve negative or inaccurate perceptions of hearing loss and hearing technology.Conclusions Perceptions of hearing loss and hearing technology are varied but often misinformed and negative. Such information could inform initiatives to raise awareness and change behaviours guided by those perceptions. Ultimately, changing the public’s and healthcare providers’ perceptions of hearing loss could encourage individuals with hearing loss to seek hearing care in a timely and appropriate manner.