Understanding affiliate stigma among significant others of adults with hearing loss: a cross-sectional survey in Australia, the UK, and the US.

OBJECTIVES

To understand the international experiences of affiliate stigma among significant others of adults with hearing loss; and associations between third-party hearing disability and affiliate stigma.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional online survey and descriptive analyses.

STUDY SAMPLE: 313 significant others of adults with hearing loss 50+ years of age living in Australia, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

RESULTS

Significant others associated hearing loss and hearing aids with negative stereotypes such as old age, struggling in communication, and disability; however, their experiences of affiliate stigma and third-party hearing disability were low overall. About half the participants reported feelings of sadness (57%) and about a third of participants (37%) reported feelings of helplessness in relation to their family member or friend having a hearing loss. Low to moderate associations were found between third-party hearing disability and affiliate stigma.

CONCLUSION

While significant others of adults with hearing loss living in Australia, the UK, and the US experience low levels of affiliate stigma, they experience feelings of sadness and helplessness, and associate hearing loss and hearing aids with negative stereotypes. Family-centred hearing rehabilitation can be beneficial in addressing these negative feelings and stereotypes.