Madara Edward, Bhowmik Achintya K
St. Paul's School, Concord, NH 03301, USA.
Starkey Hearing, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA.
Audiol Res. 2024 Dec 4;14(6):1058-1074. doi: 10.3390/audiolres14060087.
Despite the significant advancements in hearing aid technology, their adoption rates remain low, with stigma continuing to be a major barrier for many. This review aims to assess the origins and current state of hearing aid stigma, as well as explore potential strategies for alleviating it. This review examines the societal perceptions, psychological impacts, and recent technological advancements that can influence hearing aid adoption and reduce stigma. A narrative-focused review of the literature from peer-reviewed journals and reputable sources was conducted, analyzing papers on hearing aid stigma, adoption rates, and technological solutions. The research works were categorized based on their focus on the drivers and alleviation strategies for the stigma of hearing aids. This review identifies stigma as a complex, multifaceted issue driven primarily by ageism, disability perception, and the association of hearing aids with aging and incapability. Despite technological improvements, the studies surveyed listed stigma as a major factor in non-adoption. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence in sound processing, multifunctional features, and innovative design have shown potential in reducing stigma and improving user experience. Alleviating the stigma of hearing aids requires a multi-pronged approach, combining improvements in technology with changes in societal perceptions. Multifunctional devices including both health and communications functions, advanced signal processing, and esthetic improvements can drive their adoption, but broader public health awareness and education are also essential to changing societal attitudes and fostering greater acceptance of hearing aids.
尽管助听器技术取得了重大进展，但其采用率仍然很低，耻辱感仍然是许多人的主要障碍。本综述旨在评估助听器耻辱感的起源和现状，并探索减轻耻辱感的潜在策略。本综述考察了可能影响助听器采用和减少耻辱感的社会认知、心理影响以及近期技术进步。对同行评审期刊和知名来源的文献进行了以叙述为重点的综述，分析了关于助听器耻辱感、采用率和技术解决方案的论文。这些研究工作根据其对助听器耻辱感的驱动因素和缓解策略的关注进行了分类。本综述将耻辱感确定为一个复杂的、多方面的问题，主要由年龄歧视、对残疾的认知以及助听器与衰老和无能力的关联所驱动。尽管技术有所改进，但所调查的研究将耻辱感列为不采用的主要因素。声音处理中的人工智能、多功能特性和创新设计等技术进步在减少耻辱感和改善用户体验方面显示出潜力。减轻助听器的耻辱感需要采取多管齐下的方法，将技术改进与社会认知的改变相结合。包括健康和通信功能的多功能设备、先进的信号处理和美学改进可以推动其采用，但更广泛的公众健康意识和教育对于改变社会态度和促进对助听器的更大接受度也至关重要。
