"Deaf behind bars": a global scoping review on the situation and experiences of detained people with hearing impairment.

PURPOSE: The global prison population is rising, with over 11.5 million people in prison on any given day. Very little is known about hearing impairment in prison populations, despite prisons being a sound-centric closed environment. This study, a scoping review, aims to map and describe what is known about the situation and experiences of detained people with hearing impairment.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This study is a global scoping review. A comprehensive search confined to the English language was conducted on Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO with no date restriction. The final data set of 28 records was charted and analysed thematically.

FINDINGS: Four themes were interpretation deficits in the criminal justice process; detachment, inability to communicate and isolation in the prison soundscape; prison staff communication challenges and discriminatory views; and hearing health in prison.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The review is intended to inform the formulation of auditory disability-inclusive criminal justice strategies and practices to support those with hearing impairment when navigating the system.