Hearing and mental health: Practical guidance for audiologists

As audiologists, we are trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss, but increasingly, we find ourselves faced with a broader challenge, recognizing and supporting our clients’ mental well-being. The emotional impact of hearing loss is well documented, yet many hearing care professionals feel unsure about how to respond when a client shows signs of distress.

How do we navigate these conversations while staying within our scope of practice? And what practical steps can we take to provide empathetic, whole-person care?

Mental health matters in hearing care

People living with hearing loss often report higher rates of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.^1-4 The link is clear but addressing it in clinic can be less straightforward.

Many audiologists acknowledge that mental health issues regularly surface in appointments, whether directly or indirectly. However, addressing these concerns isn’t always easy.

Common barriers

In research and training sessions I’ve conducted with audiologists, several common barriers come up again and again. Uncertainty around scope of practice is a key concern.

Many clinicians worry that acknowledging mental health might be stepping too far into territory best left to psychologists or general practitioners. This is often tied to limited training in mental health, which leaves some clinicians feeling unprepared to handle sensitive conversations.

Time pressure is another big hurdle. With packed schedules and strict appointment durations, it can feel unrealistic to open the door to complex emotional issues. Some audiologists also fear they might make things worse, accidentally say the wrong thing, or offend a client by raising a topic they weren’t ready to discuss. And even when distress is recognized, referral pathways can be unclear, particularly in areas with limited or overburdened mental health services.

What helps? Key facilitators

Despite these challenges, there are many ways audiologists are already supporting their clients’ emotional well-being, often without even realizing it. The most powerful facilitator is the therapeutic relationship.

When clients feel heard, respected, and safe, they are more likely to open up about what they’re experiencing beyond hearing loss.

Another effective strategy is normalizing emotional responses. Letting clients know that frustration, sadness, or even grief are common and valid reactions to hearing loss can reduce shame and encourage further discussion.

Using simple, open-ended questions like, “Has your hearing loss affected other parts of your life?” can prompt valuable insights. Additionally, empathetic responses, “That sounds really tough”, can go a long way in making clients feel supported.

Practical tips for clinicians

So, how can audiologists feel more confident in addressing mental health? Here are some practical suggestions drawn from lived experience and clinician feedback:

• Think “mental health first aid.” You’re not a psychologist, but you can notice signs of distress, offer brief support, and refer to someone who can help.
• Use non-stigmatizing language. Phrases like “Many people with hearing loss feel this way” help clients feel less alone and more willing to talk.
• Keep a referral toolkit. Have a list of local mental health professionals, helplines, or trusted online resources on hand. Being prepared makes a big difference.
• Make space for a check-in. Even within a short appointment, a single open-ended question can provide insight, “How have things been going for you generally?”
• Follow up. Revisiting the conversation in future appointments shows genuine care, “Last time you mentioned feeling a bit down, how have things been since then?”

Acknowledging mental health isn’t about becoming a therapist, it’s about embracing your role as a trusted health professional who sees the whole person, not just their audiogram. With a few tools and a lot of compassion, audiologists can make a meaningful difference in their clients’ lives.

For further learning on this topic, we invite you to:

Explore practical training: Counselling that Resonates — an online course by Soundfair designed to help HCPs strengthen their counseling skills and better support clients’ emotional well-being.

Read the latest research: Addressing Mental Health in Hearing Healthcare — a peer-reviewed article offering evidence-based insights into how hearing care can play a role in improving mental health outcomes.

---

References

1. Lawrence, B. J., Jayakody, D. M. P., Bennett, R. J., Eikelboom, R. H., Gasson, N., & Friedland, P. L. (2019). Hearing loss and depression in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Gerontologist, 60(3), E137-E154. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz009
   
2. Adigun, O. T. (2017). Depression and Individuals with Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review. J Psychol Psychother, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0487.1000323
   
3. Shoham, N., Lewis, G., Favarato, G., & Cooper, C. (2019). Prevalence of anxiety disorders and symptoms in people with hearing impairment: a systematic review. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 54(6), 649-660. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1638-3
   
4. Shukla, A., Harper, M., Pedersen, E., Goman, A., Suen, J. J., Price, C., Applebaum, J., Hoyer, M., Lin, F. R., & Reed, N. S. (2020). Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 162(5), 622-633. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599820910377