This study explored patient perspectives on adult hearing loss in Ontario, focusing on challenges in accessing and navigating care. Fourteen adults over 50 with hearing loss completed questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that hearing loss is often de-prioritized by both patients and primary care providers, with participants reporting frustration over fragmented services, limited guidance, and significant financial and emotional burdens. The absence of a standardized screening and care pathway further compounds these challenges. Results highlight the need for collaborative partnerships among healthcare providers and policymakers to create structured, accessible, and timely models of hearing healthcare within primary care.
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Authors
- Jana Bataineh, MPH, Western University
- Sheila Moodie, PhD, Western University
- Angela Roberts, PhD
- Shannon Sibbald, PhD
- Danielle Glista, PhD