Racial Differences in Discrepancies Between Subjective Ratings and Objective Assessments of Hearing Impairment
Charity T Lewis1,2, Yuri Jang3,4, Joanne Elayoubi1
1School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
The Gerontologist
|January 29, 2025
Summary
Racial disparities in hearing aid use may stem from Black older adults having higher rates of false positive hearing perceptions. These discrepancies between self-rated and tested hearing abilities are a key factor beyond cost.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Racial and ethnic disparities persist in hearing aid utilization.
- Understanding the root causes of these disparities is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial differences in the discrepancy between self-reported hearing ability and objective hearing test results.
- To explore if this discrepancy contributes to disparities in hearing aid use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 2,568 participants aged 50+ from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).
- Comparison of self-rated hearing (positive/negative) with objective hearing test results (normal/hearing loss).
- Analysis focused on non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black participants.
Main Results:
- 73% of individuals with objectively measured hearing loss reported positive hearing.
- False positive hearing perception rates were higher in Black older adults (80%) compared to White older adults (70%).
- Black older adults, men, those with lower education, more health conditions, depressive symptoms, and smokers had higher odds of false positive hearing ratings.
Conclusions:
- Discrepancies between perceived and actual hearing ability, particularly false positive perceptions, may significantly contribute to lower hearing aid use in Black Americans, alongside cost barriers.
- Further research into psychosocial mechanisms underlying these discrepancies is needed to develop culturally sensitive educational interventions.
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