This study explores the potential impacts of natural hazards for people who use hearing devices.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Audiologists should proactively counsel hearing device users on emergency preparedness strategies (e.g., device protection, backup batteries, communication plans), as this population faces documented but underaddressed safety risks during natural hazards.
Natural disasters disproportionately affect people with disabilities including hearing loss, and this is one of the first empirical studies to document the lived experience of hearing device users in hazard situations, highlighting a gap in emergency planning guidance.
- 01Cross-sectional survey capturing first-hand accounts from hearing device users during natural hazards.
- 02Participants reported challenges including device damage, battery failure, and communication barriers.
- 03Study identifies opportunities for improved emergency preparedness support and device design.
- 04Findings are relevant to counselling practice and public health planning for people with hearing loss.
- 05Results are exploratory; generalisability limited by cross-sectional, self-report design.
Hearing device users face distinct and underaddressed challenges during natural hazard and emergency situations.
studysupported- PMID
- 42667158
- DOI
- 10.1080/14992027.2026.2720839.
- Journal
- International Journal of Audiology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Adults who use hearing devices (hearing aids or cochlear implants)
- Intervention
- Exposure to natural hazards or emergency situations
Primary outcomes
Self-reported challenges during natural hazards; Insights and opportunities for improved emergency navigation
