How does Social Support Affect Adults with Hearing Loss? A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is to identify literature pertaining to how social support affects adults with hearing loss. The information presented in this scoping review provides insight to clinicians about a non-audiological factor that influences the lives of patients with hearing loss seen in the clinic. This information can be used to guide clinical decision making and clinical counseling methods to promote patient-centered care. Methods: This project consists of a scoping review of the literature utilizing the six-stage framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Studies were collected using online databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and the University of Arizona Library), citation searches, and review of article reference lists. Results: Social support is linked to quality of life and psychological adjustment in adults with hearing loss. Social support plays a role in help-seeking behaviors and hearing aid adoption. Hearing aid use, success, and uptake are influenced by perceptions of social support for adults with hearing loss. Presence of a significant other influences perceived benefit from group aural rehabilitation classes and social support predicts interaction with and outcomes of online support-groups of adults with hearing loss. Conclusions: Social support has a positive influence on the lives of adults with hearing loss and multiple aspects of the audiologic rehabilitation process. An understanding of this non-audiological factor can help guide clinical decision making and rehabilitation strategies when working with adults with hearing loss.