Adults with mild hearing impairment: Are we meeting the challenge?

Barbra H.B. Timmer, Louise Hickson, Stefan Launer

Acquired hearing impairment is recognized by the World Health Organization as the third leading cause of disability, with a mild impairment being the most prevalent. The aim of this study was to review research literature concerned with adults with acquired mild hearing impairment; the definitions and prevalence, the resulting activity limitations and participation restrictions, and hearing-aid interventions. This study involved a systematized review of research literature identified through searches in citation databases and through reference checking. A total of 151 papers were identified and of these, 33 papers were included in this review. Prevalence rates are significantly influenced by the definition used for mild hearing impairment, and range from 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 adults. The weak correlations between audiological assessments and self-reported difficulties suggest that further assessment of individuals with mild hearing impairment is warranted. The most common intervention is the provision of hearing aids with varying rates of use, benefit, and satisfaction. The development of appropriate audiological assessment in the clinic, and further evaluation of the real-world listening needs and performance of people with mild hearing impairment is required to provide a more effective pathway for this clinical population.