Older Indigenous Australians’ Experiences with Hearing Loss and
Audiological Services: A Scoping Review
Abstract
Intro: In Australia, older Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander (hereafter Indigenous) Australians have the highest prevalence
of hearing loss, with Indigenous-specific audiological services being
provided. However, there is limited research on the experiences older
Indigenous Australians have with hearing loss and audiological services.
Therefore, this study aimed to consolidate existing literature with a
scoping review, specifically on the above to identify gaps and guide
future research. Method: Ten databases were searched,
identifying 539 records; twenty-one studies met our inclusion criteria.
Our inclusion criteria constituted research of any design on the
experiences of older Indigenous Australians (aged 45+) with hearing loss
and audiological services. Results: Sixteen studies reported on
experiences with hearing loss, four studies reported on experiences with
audiological services, and one study reported on both experiences.
Prevalence of hearing loss was estimated to be 20-34% in older
Indigenous Australians; a discrepancy between self-reported and
objective hearing difficulties was also identified. Audiological
services currently available to older Indigenous Australians were also
underutilised. Conclusions: Future experimental/correlational
research with Indigenous Australians is required to uncover: (1) the
reasons for underreported hearing loss; (2) types of hearing loss
experienced; (3) barriers to accessing audiological services; and (4)
best hearing-loss management and rehabilitation practices.