Stigmatization of hearing aids in Germany – a data-driven analysis

Hearing loss (HL) is increasingly prevalent, yet uptake of hearing aids (HA) remains low – partly due to stigma. This study explored in an online survey the HL and HA stigma in Germany and their relationships with mental health, self-concept, and age perception using validated scales. Stigma levels were generally low, with no significant differences across hearing status groups. However, stigma towards HL was consistently higher than towards HAs, and both types of stigmata were moderately correlated. Random Forest modeling identified HL stigma, anxiety, self-esteem, and age as key predictors of HA stigma. Correlation analyses showed that higher stigma was associated with poorer mental health and lower self-concept, particularly among those with HL. Negative age perceptions were also linked to higher stigma levels. The representativeness of the results is limited by the highly educated sample and the under-representation of individuals with untreated HL. Future research and counseling practices should holistically address the psychological impact of internalized stigma and shift focus on acceptance of HL itself to improve hearing health outcomes.