The decision to tell or not to tell is associated with experiences of stigma and hearing aid use among adults with hearing loss

To explore the extent to which an international sample of adults with hearing loss experience and respond to stigma-induced identity threat; and the associations between experiences of hearing loss stigma, responses to hearing loss stigma (concealment of hearing loss), and hearing aid use. Cross-sectional online survey comprising published questionnaires and multiple response questions designed to capture five of seven constructs of the Major and O’Brien model of stigma-induced identity threat. Multivariate modelling examined factors associated with hearing aid use and concealment of hearing loss. 331 adults (50+ years) with self-reported hearing loss, living in Australia, United Kingdom, or United States, participated. Individuals with hearing loss associated hearing loss and hearing aids with negative stereotypes associated with ageing and disability; although, perceptions of modern hearing aids were positive overall. About 25% of participants did not disclose their hearing loss to anyone or in any situation; and hearing loss disclosure, in addition to attitudes towards hearing aids, stereotypical beliefs, and personal characteristics were associated with hearing aid use in multivariate modelling. One way in which we may be able to increase use of hearing aids is by explicitly asking about and addressing individuals’ experiences of hearing loss stigma. An international survey finds that stereotypical beliefs, experiences of discrimination, and personal characteristics impact disclosure of hearing loss and hearing aid use.