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Hearing Health Equity: Access and Utilization of Implantable Devices

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Hearing loss is a significant public health problem with profound impacts on health. Despite strong supportive evidence of implantable devices, such as cochlear implants, for hearing loss treatment, there are limitations in their utilization and access. The objective of this review is to evaluate factors influencing equity of hearing healthcare and implantable devices.

Recent Findings

Hearing healthcare inequities are pervasive and persistent. With attention to cochlear implantation, this review describes the disconnects, delays, and different outcomes of patients with hearing loss based on geographic context, socioeconomic status, education, race, and ethnicity. Additionally, approaches to address these inequities are described.

Summary

A wide range of social factors impact access and utilization of hearing healthcare, and specifically cochlear implantation. It is critical to frequently revisit definitions and descriptions of hearing healthcare inequities, renew our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and constantly reimagine interventions to promote equity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 740 South Limestone, E300E, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    David Adkins & Matthew L. Bush

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DA and MB equally contributed to the writing of this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Matthew L. Bush.

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MLB is a consultant for Cochlear America. There are no conflicts of interests with the content of this manuscript. The authors have no other financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose pertaining to the manuscript.

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Adkins, D., Bush, M.L. Hearing Health Equity: Access and Utilization of Implantable Devices. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-024-00501-9

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