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IJERPH
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Hearing Health in Vulnerable Groups
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Hearing Health in Vulnerable Groups

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 786

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Nomfundo Nzuza-Moroe

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2017, South Africa
Interests: research methods; prevention of environmental and occupational noise; hearing conservation; role of audiologists in various sectors; prevention, identification and management of deafblindness in children; hearing children of deaf parents; behaviour change interventions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hearing health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet vulnerable populations often face significant challenges in accessing appropriate care. Individuals from low-income communities, the elderly, children with developmental disabilities, and occupationally exposed workers are particularly at risk of undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss. Socioeconomic barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of awareness contribute to disparities in hearing healthcare access and intervention. Additionally, cultural perceptions of hearing loss and disability may influence help-seeking behaviours, further exacerbating inequalities.

This Special Issue, entitled “Hearing Health in Vulnerable Groups”, aims to explore the unique challenges, risk factors, and intervention strategies for hearing care among at-risk populations. We invite original research, systematic reviews, and case studies that address innovative approaches to screening, early intervention, hearing conservation, and policy recommendations. By shedding light on these issues, this collection seeks to inform inclusive healthcare practises and advocate for equitable hearing health services.

Dr. Nomfundo Nzuza-Moroe
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hearing health disparities
  • vulnerable populations
  • audiology and public health
  • access to hearing care
  • occupational hearing loss
  • paediatric hearing loss
  • ageing and hearing impairment
  • socioeconomic barriers in audiology
  • hearing conservation strategies
  • inclusive healthcare policies

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Caregiver Challenges and Opportunities for Accessing Early Hearing Detection and Intervention: A Narrative Inquiry from South Africa
by Katijah Khoza-Shangase and Ntsako Precious Maluleke
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040605 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Background: Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) is essential for minimising the negative impact of childhood hearing loss on speech, language, and cognitive development. However, in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa, various challenges hinder the implementation of EHDI services, leading [...] Read more.
Background: Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) is essential for minimising the negative impact of childhood hearing loss on speech, language, and cognitive development. However, in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa, various challenges hinder the implementation of EHDI services, leading to delayed diagnosis and intervention. Aim: This study explores caregivers’ experiences with EHDI services, identifying key challenges and facilitators affecting access and timely intervention. Methods: A narrative inquiry approach was used as part of a broader research initiative on family-centred EHDI. Nine caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) were purposively sampled, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: Thematic analysis revealed systemic and structural challenges, logistical and financial constraints, and caregiver-related factors that hindered access to EHDI services. Key facilitators included caregiver knowledge and advocacy, family support services such as counselling and South African Sign Language training, and high-quality audiological and educational services. Conclusions: Findings emphasise the need for policy-driven reforms, including expanding newborn hearing screening programmes, improving financial assistance mechanisms, and increasing public awareness. Addressing these challenges and leveraging facilitators can help South Africa align with global EHDI benchmarks and improve outcomes for DHH children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing Health in Vulnerable Groups)
13 pages, 529 KiB  
Article
Hearing Loss and Social Isolation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Role of Neighborhood Disorder and Perceived Social Cohesion
by Sol Baik and Kyeongmo Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040583 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory impairments acquired with aging. This condition causes communication difficulties, leading to social isolation, dependence on others, and a reduced quality of life. However, less is known about the influence of environmental factors on the [...] Read more.
Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory impairments acquired with aging. This condition causes communication difficulties, leading to social isolation, dependence on others, and a reduced quality of life. However, less is known about the influence of environmental factors on the experiences of older adults with hearing loss. This study utilized three waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011–2013), analyzing data from 3950 community-dwelling older adults. Survey-weighted random intercept models were used to investigate whether hearing loss is associated with social isolation over the three waves and whether this relationship is moderated by neighborhood disorder and perceived neighborhood social cohesion. The study found that older adults with hearing loss were significantly less socially isolated, while the perceived social cohesion significantly moderated the effect of hearing loss on social isolation. Given that hearing function deteriorates with age and hearing aids or other devices are rarely covered by third-party payers, except for some state Medicaid plans or rehabilitation services for veterans, addressing modifiable neighborhood factors may be the most effective way to help individuals remain socially engaged and avoid isolation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing Health in Vulnerable Groups)
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