First Advisor

Deanna K. Meinke

First Committee Member

Diane Erdbruegger

Second Committee Member

Charles Lenell

Degree Name

Doctor of Audiology

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Date Created

5-2024

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, CSD Student Work

Abstract

Approximately 430 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. With Americans over the age of 65 earning a mean annual salary of less than $60,000 and the cost of a pair of hearing aids exceeding $4000, attempting to pursue hearing aids can prove to be challenging, if not an impossible task. The purpose of this project was to assess how individuals with hearing loss, above the age of majority, are impacted by their socioeconomic status with regard to accessing properly fit amplification. Evidence has shown that access to hearing aids is strongly tied to one’s socioeconomic status. In addition, there are detrimental effects on physical health (such as cognitive decline, disruption of balance, and symptoms of tinnitus) and psychosocial health being linked to untreated hearing loss. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence suggesting that hearing aids may serve to mitigate and reduce these negative effects. Benefits of treating hearing loss with amplification (hearing aids) include reduced rates of cognitive decline, reduced fall risk, and a 50% reduction in lost wages resultant from hearing loss. These findings suggest that access to hearing aids is important for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. Therefore, Chapter 2 provides a list of resources to assist health professionals and individuals in terms of accessing funding for hearing aids and hearing healthcare for underserved populations. It is important to expand access to hearing aids and hearing healthcare, whether by expanding insurance coverage or by allowing for the billing of a more comprehensive range of audiological products and services for those government-supported healthcare. This could potentially reduce the costs to society and improve public health.

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Language

English

Extent

129 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Download

Share

COinS