Hearing Health Equity: Access and Utilization of Implantable Devices

Hearing loss is a significant public health problem with profound impacts on health. Despite strong supportive evidence of implantable devices, such as cochlear implants, for hearing loss treatment, there are limitations in their utilization and access. The objective of this review is to evaluate factors influencing equity of hearing healthcare and implantable devices. Hearing healthcare inequities are pervasive and persistent. With attention to cochlear implantation, this review describes the disconnects, delays, and different outcomes of patients with hearing loss based on geographic context, socioeconomic status, education, race, and ethnicity. Additionally, approaches to address these inequities are described. A wide range of social factors impact access and utilization of hearing healthcare, and specifically cochlear implantation. It is critical to frequently revisit definitions and descriptions of hearing healthcare inequities, renew our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and constantly reimagine interventions to promote equity.