One in three adults aged over 50 are keeping their hearing loss a secret, often because they fear being judged, new research shows.
The large-scale international research program found that hearing loss is still linked to stereotypes about ageing and disability, which can stop people from seeking help.
The June 2025 special issue of the International Journal of Audiology featured eight research papers reporting results that explore how stigma affects adults with hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who support them.
The research involved interviews, surveys, and real-world video recordings with adults who have hearing loss, their partners, and hearing care professionals.
It also included a large online survey of more than 600 people across Australia, the US, and the UK.
Researchers said one of the most striking findings was the difference in perspective between people with hearing loss and the professionals who treat them.
Stigma of hearing loss, not hearing aids
They said that while clinicians focused on the stigma of hearing aids, adults were more concerned about the stigma of hearing loss itself. In fact, many patients described modern hearing aids as discreet, high-tech, and helpful.
Importantly, those who talked openly about their hearing loss were more likely to accept and use hearing aids. But for many, that first conversation was the hardest part.
Led by Dr Katie Ekberg from Flinders University and Professor Louise Hickson AM from The University of Queensland, the research highlighted the emotional and social toll of hearing loss and why it’s time to talk about it.
Their paper provided an introduction to the special issue and described methods for the overall study that is the focus of the papers in the issue.
Researchers said about 3.6 million Australians live with some level of hearing loss. It was not just about missing sounds but could lead to low self-esteem, loneliness, memory problems, and depression.
Nearly 60% of people with hearing loss said others had laughed at or joked about their hearing difficulties, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and frustrated. Many chose to hide their hearing loss, which could make things worse.
Dr Ekberg said understanding how people feel about hearing loss was key to improving care.
“The more we know, the better we can support people to feel confident, seek help, and communicate openly,” she said.
Dr Ekberg said asking questions such as, “Who do you tell about your hearing loss?” can help professionals understand emotional barriers their clients face.
“For adults with hearing loss, telling others can be a helpful step in working through stigma, though it may require support from professionals and loved ones,” she said.
“For families and the broader community, raising awareness about acquired hearing loss –which often begins from age 50 – can help challenge outdated stereotypes that associate hearing loss only with very old age.”
The research team developed practical resources to support adults with hearing loss, hearing care professionals, families, and the general public. These include infographics that can be displayed in clinics or used as conversation starters with clients and other health professionals.
Dr Ekberg and Prof Hickson edited the special issue, To Tell or Not to Tell: Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families.
The Hearing Industry Research Consortium funded the project.
The issue addresses gaps in research by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the stigmatising experiences of adults with acquired HL and their families in relation to HL and use of amplification.
Other researchers were Dr Barbra Timmer, Professor Nerina Scarinci, Dr Mansoureh Nickbakht, Dr Monique Waite, and Dr Carly Meyer.
