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What drives help-seeking for aural rehabilitation? Perspectives of hearing aid users and professionals in Denmark
Anette Lykke Hindhede1,2, Natascha Sofie Søndergaard3, Eva Juul Toldam4
1Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK2200, Denmark.
Objective:
This study investigates how adults with hearing aids navigate aural rehabilitation services in Denmark, using Bourdieu's concepts to explore how structural conditions shape help-seeking and service use.
Design And Study Sample:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 adults with hearing aids (9 men, 18 women) and six hearing healthcare professionals. Interviews lasted 30-90 minutes and were held either in person or online.
Results:
Although aural rehabilitation services including communication strategy counselling, psychosocial support and auditory training are publicly funded and free of charge, participants reported uneven awareness and access. Two key themes emerged: (1) limited knowledge of available services and their perceived benefits, and (2) unequal distributions of social, and cultural capital shaping participants' ability to navigate the aural rehabilitation system. Help-seeking was influenced by the logic of the field, which determines what counts as valuable capital and who is positioned to make use of it.
Conclusions:
Findings highlight systemic inequities in awareness and access to aural rehabilitation among hearing aid users. Strengthening informational outreach and integrating navigation support into hearing care pathways. Addressing structural barriers are essential to ensure equitable access and realise the full potential of publicly funded aural rehabilitation services.
