The Social and Emotional Impacts of Hearing Loss

In this episode, Audiologist Dr Bec Bennett will share with us some of her latest research into some of the less understood aspects of Hearing Loss – the social and emotional impacts.

Bec’s research confirms that many people with Hearing Loss experience feelings of loneliness, feeling left out, embarrassment, or worry about hearing or saying the wrong thing. This may also contribute to anxiety or depression.

Bec helps explain that this is a common experience for people with hearing loss, and her research informs an empathetic approach for all of us to better understand and support people with hearing loss.

In this episode, you will learn:

0:50 | Ear Science research participants share their stories of how it feels to experience hearing loss 

3:05 | Bec’s journey from Audiologist to Researcher 

4:20 | Why research the social and emotional impacts of hearing loss?

5:20 | How does Hearing Loss affect people 

6.00 | How does Ear Science connect experiences with clients/patients in the clinic to the research lab? Research in real-time! 

7.47 | What is the research telling us about the social and emotional impacts of hearing loss

9.45 | How to identify if a loved one may be experiencing Hearing Loss

24.30 | The impact of this research on the government Hearing Services Program

27.00 | Key takeaways

29.00 | What can we do to support a friend or family member who is experiencing Hearing Loss? Some practical tips.

Resources mentioned

Hearing loss affects us all in different ways (YouTube Video)

Bennett, R. J., Meyer, C. J., Ryan, B., Barr, C., Laird, E., & Eikelboom, R. H. (2020). Knowledge, beliefs, and practices of Australian audiologists in addressing the mental health needs of adults with hearing loss. American journal of audiology, 29(2), 129-142.

Bennett, R. J., Barr, C., Cortis, A., Eikelboom, R. H., Ferguson, M., Gerace, D., … & Bellekom, S. (2020). Audiological approaches to address the psychosocial needs of adults with hearing loss: perceived benefit and likelihood of use. International Journal of Audiology, 1-8.

Simpson AN, Matthews LJ, Cassarly C, Dubno JR. Time from hearing aid candidacy to hearing aid adoption: a longitudinal cohort study. Ear and Hearing. 40(3):468-476; 2019. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000641

Audiology Australia

More information on the impact of hearing loss:

Impact of Hearing Loss

Hearing and Mental Wellbeing

This podcast provides information of a general nature and does not constitute medical advice.

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