Importance of Audiologist Screening for Suicidal Ideation in Individuals With Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is increasingly recognized as a chronic health condition with psychosocial consequences that extend beyond impaired auditory function, including social isolation, loneliness, reduced quality of life, and depression. Emerging epidemiological evidence suggests that individuals with hearing loss may also be at an increased risk of suicidal ideation, particularly when communication difficulties coexist with...

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Audiologists should consider adding a validated suicidal ideation screening tool to routine practice for patients with hearing loss, particularly those presenting with significant social isolation or depression — though formal guidelines have not yet been established.

Hearing loss carries well-documented psychosocial burdens, and audiologists are a frontline point of contact for a high-risk population who may not be engaged with mental health services, making routine screening a potentially high-impact, low-cost intervention.

1. 01Hearing loss is linked to psychosocial consequences including social isolation and depression.
2. 02Authors argue audiologists should routinely screen for suicidal ideation during appointments.
3. 03No formal audiology guidelines currently mandate suicidal ideation screening.
4. 04Early identification by audiologists could improve referral pathways to mental health care.
5. 05The article is opinion/advocacy rather than a clinical trial of a screening protocol.

PMID

42956331

DOI

10.1044/2026_AJA-26-00100.

Journal

American Journal of Audiology

Publication type

editorial

Evidence level

5

Population

Individuals with hearing loss

Intervention

Routine audiologist screening for suicidal ideation