Needs and Outcomes of People with Hearing Loss Across Different Life Stages
摘要
Despite growing awareness of its profound impact on individual well-being and population-level outcomes, substantial disparities remain in how effectively hearing loss is diagnosed, managed, and accommodated—especially within healthcare and educational systems. The question “How effective are current clinical, technological, and communicative interventions in addressing the needs and outcomes of people with hearing loss across different life stages?” is central to informing evidence-based policy, service design, and clinical practice. To answer this question, six systematic reviews were examined, each offering distinct insights into specific subpopulations and intervention strategies. Collectively, these reviews span early childhood through late adulthood, and encompass diverse areas including linguistic intervention, assistive technologies, patient–provider communication, and service uptake. Particular attention is given to under-researched groups such as individuals with subclinical hearing loss and those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The methodological quality and scope of these reviews vary, yet each contributes to a broader understanding of both progress and persistent gaps in the care and inclusion of people with hearing loss. What follows is a critical synthesis of these six studies, structured around the themes of communication, accessibility, and intervention efficacy.