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Older Indigenous Australians’ Experiences with Hearing Loss and Audiological Services: A Scoping Review
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  • Ayesha Chowdhury,
  • Rong Tian,
  • Paul McIlhiney,
  • Dona M. P. Jayakody
Ayesha Chowdhury
The University of Western Australia School of Human Sciences
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Rong Tian
The University of Western Australia Medical School
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Paul McIlhiney
Ear Science Institute Australia
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Dona M. P. Jayakody
Ear Science Institute Australia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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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.
Submitted to Clinical Otolaryngology
07 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
25 Sep 20241st Revision Received
28 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
28 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor