The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia

Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19

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The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia

Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali^*

Published in International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 11 June 2025 Accepted: 24 June 2025 Published: 19 December 2025

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Abstract

Background: Hearing loss is an increasingly recognized public health challenge that affects communication, social participation, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Although hearing aids provide an effective intervention, their uptake remains low in many low-income countries. In Somalia, adoption is particularly limited due to deep-rooted stigma shaped by cultural, social, and informational barriers. Objective: This study explores the sociological dimensions of hearing aid stigma in Somalia, with a focus on the cultural beliefs, social influences, and media portrayals that reinforce negative perceptions of hearing aid use. Methods/Framework: Drawing on sociological frameworks such as labeling theory and symbolic interactionism, the paper examines how individuals with hearing loss are perceived and treated within Somali society. Cultural narratives that associate hearing impairment with weakness, dependency, or supernatural causes are analysed, along with the roles of family and community pressures in discouraging auditory rehabilitation. Media representations are assessed for their contribution to either reinforcing or challenging stigma. Comparative insights from Sweden, the United States, and South Africa highlight effective stigma-reduction strategies, including inclusive education, public awareness campaigns, and the normalization of assistive technologies. Conclusion: Stigma surrounding hearing aid use in Somalia is multifaceted and deeply embedded in prevailing social norms. Addressing this issue requires a multi-level approach that combines public education, policies promoting access and affordability, and the active involvement of community and religious leaders in reshaping cultural perceptions. Such interventions are vital for improving hearing aid uptake and, ultimately, enhancing the mental health, educational outcomes, and economic participation of individuals with hearing impairments in Somali society.

Published in	International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19
Page(s)	47-52
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Hearing Aids, Stigma, Somalia, Sociological Theory, Public Health, Symbolic Interactionism, Labeling Theory

References

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[2]	Dillard, L. K., & Saunders, G. H. (2019). Stigma, identity, and hearing aid use. The Hearing Journal, 72(4), 20-24.
[3]	Kochkin, S. (2007). The impact of untreated hearing loss on household income. The Hearing Review, 14(10), 12-16.
[4]	Wallhagen, M. I. (2010). The stigma of hearing loss. The Gerontologist, 50(1), 66-75.
[5]	Lewis, M. S., & Darby, J. K. (2004). Stigma and the hearing impaired. American Journal of Audiology, 13(2), 110-118.
[6]	Meyer, C., Hickson, L., & Fletcher, A. (2012). Identifying the barriers and facilitators to hearing aid adoption. International Journal of Audiology, 51(2), 120-128.
[7]	Manchaiah, V., Zhao, F., & Ratinaud, M. C. (2015). Stigma and self-perception in adults with hearing loss. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 3(1), 156-165.
[8]	Barnett, S., & Franks, P. (2002). Healthcare utilization and adults who are deaf. American Journal of Public Health, 92(1), 133-137.
[9]	Erler, S. F., & Garstecki, D. C. (2002). Hearing loss and hearing aid use in older adults. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 39(5), 749-758.
[10]	Chisolm, T. H., Johnson, C. E., & Danhauer, J. L. (2007). A systematic review of health-related quality of life and hearing aids. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 18(2), 151-183.
[11]	Sommer, I. J., Gräbel, S., & Szczepek, A. J. (2017). Public attitudes toward hearing aids and hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 56(8), 558-564.
[12]	Southall, K., Gagne, J. P., & Jennings, M. B. (2010). Stigma: Implications for hearing aid design. International Journal of Audiology, 49(11), 765-774.
[13]	O’Connor, A., & Mahoney, C. (2009). Perceptions of stigma in adults with hearing loss. Journal of Hearing Science, 19(3), 145-159.
[14]	Gopinath, B., Schneider, J., & McMahon, C. M. (2012). Prevalence of hearing aid use and stigma. The Journal of Aging and Health, 24(5), 817-827.
[15]	Lesner, S. A. (2003). Social stigma and hearing loss. Hearing Journal, 56(3), 14-19.
[16]	Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the sociology of deviance. Free Press.
[17]	Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Prentice-Hall.
[18]	Louw, B., Swanepoel, D. W., & Eikelboom, R. H. (2018). Community-based hearing health outreach in South Africa. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 104, 135-142.
[19]	Hearing Loss Association of America. (2020). HLAA annual report.
[20]	United Nations. (2020). Disability and Development Report. UN.

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APA Style

Ali, I. A. (2025). The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia. International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 11(2), 47-52. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19

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ACS Style

Ali, I. A. The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia. Int. J. Otorhinolaryngol. 2025, 11(2), 47-52. doi: 10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19

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AMA Style

Ali IA. The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia. Int J Otorhinolaryngol. 2025;11(2):47-52. doi: 10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19

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@article{10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19,
  author = {Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali},
  title = {The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia},
  journal = {International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {47-52},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijo.20251102.19},
  abstract = {Background: Hearing loss is an increasingly recognized public health challenge that affects communication, social participation, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Although hearing aids provide an effective intervention, their uptake remains low in many low-income countries. In Somalia, adoption is particularly limited due to deep-rooted stigma shaped by cultural, social, and informational barriers. Objective: This study explores the sociological dimensions of hearing aid stigma in Somalia, with a focus on the cultural beliefs, social influences, and media portrayals that reinforce negative perceptions of hearing aid use. Methods/Framework: Drawing on sociological frameworks such as labeling theory and symbolic interactionism, the paper examines how individuals with hearing loss are perceived and treated within Somali society. Cultural narratives that associate hearing impairment with weakness, dependency, or supernatural causes are analysed, along with the roles of family and community pressures in discouraging auditory rehabilitation. Media representations are assessed for their contribution to either reinforcing or challenging stigma. Comparative insights from Sweden, the United States, and South Africa highlight effective stigma-reduction strategies, including inclusive education, public awareness campaigns, and the normalization of assistive technologies. Conclusion: Stigma surrounding hearing aid use in Somalia is multifaceted and deeply embedded in prevailing social norms. Addressing this issue requires a multi-level approach that combines public education, policies promoting access and affordability, and the active involvement of community and religious leaders in reshaping cultural perceptions. Such interventions are vital for improving hearing aid uptake and, ultimately, enhancing the mental health, educational outcomes, and economic participation of individuals with hearing impairments in Somali society.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia
AU  - Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali
Y1  - 2025/12/19
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19
T2  - International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
JF  - International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
JO  - International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
SP  - 47
EP  - 52
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-2413
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19
AB  - Background: Hearing loss is an increasingly recognized public health challenge that affects communication, social participation, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Although hearing aids provide an effective intervention, their uptake remains low in many low-income countries. In Somalia, adoption is particularly limited due to deep-rooted stigma shaped by cultural, social, and informational barriers. Objective: This study explores the sociological dimensions of hearing aid stigma in Somalia, with a focus on the cultural beliefs, social influences, and media portrayals that reinforce negative perceptions of hearing aid use. Methods/Framework: Drawing on sociological frameworks such as labeling theory and symbolic interactionism, the paper examines how individuals with hearing loss are perceived and treated within Somali society. Cultural narratives that associate hearing impairment with weakness, dependency, or supernatural causes are analysed, along with the roles of family and community pressures in discouraging auditory rehabilitation. Media representations are assessed for their contribution to either reinforcing or challenging stigma. Comparative insights from Sweden, the United States, and South Africa highlight effective stigma-reduction strategies, including inclusive education, public awareness campaigns, and the normalization of assistive technologies. Conclusion: Stigma surrounding hearing aid use in Somalia is multifaceted and deeply embedded in prevailing social norms. Addressing this issue requires a multi-level approach that combines public education, policies promoting access and affordability, and the active involvement of community and religious leaders in reshaping cultural perceptions. Such interventions are vital for improving hearing aid uptake and, ultimately, enhancing the mental health, educational outcomes, and economic participation of individuals with hearing impairments in Somali society.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali

Otolaryngology Department, Somalia Army Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0005-2238-1523

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APA Style

Ali, I. A. (2025). The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia. International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 11(2), 47-52. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19

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ACS Style

Ali, I. A. The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia. Int. J. Otorhinolaryngol. 2025, 11(2), 47-52. doi: 10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19

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AMA Style

Ali IA. The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia. Int J Otorhinolaryngol. 2025;11(2):47-52. doi: 10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19,
  author = {Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali},
  title = {The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia},
  journal = {International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {47-52},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijo.20251102.19},
  abstract = {Background: Hearing loss is an increasingly recognized public health challenge that affects communication, social participation, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Although hearing aids provide an effective intervention, their uptake remains low in many low-income countries. In Somalia, adoption is particularly limited due to deep-rooted stigma shaped by cultural, social, and informational barriers. Objective: This study explores the sociological dimensions of hearing aid stigma in Somalia, with a focus on the cultural beliefs, social influences, and media portrayals that reinforce negative perceptions of hearing aid use. Methods/Framework: Drawing on sociological frameworks such as labeling theory and symbolic interactionism, the paper examines how individuals with hearing loss are perceived and treated within Somali society. Cultural narratives that associate hearing impairment with weakness, dependency, or supernatural causes are analysed, along with the roles of family and community pressures in discouraging auditory rehabilitation. Media representations are assessed for their contribution to either reinforcing or challenging stigma. Comparative insights from Sweden, the United States, and South Africa highlight effective stigma-reduction strategies, including inclusive education, public awareness campaigns, and the normalization of assistive technologies. Conclusion: Stigma surrounding hearing aid use in Somalia is multifaceted and deeply embedded in prevailing social norms. Addressing this issue requires a multi-level approach that combines public education, policies promoting access and affordability, and the active involvement of community and religious leaders in reshaping cultural perceptions. Such interventions are vital for improving hearing aid uptake and, ultimately, enhancing the mental health, educational outcomes, and economic participation of individuals with hearing impairments in Somali society.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Stigma Associated with Hearing Aids: A Sociological Perspective in Somalia
AU  - Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali
Y1  - 2025/12/19
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19
T2  - International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
JF  - International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
JO  - International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
SP  - 47
EP  - 52
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-2413
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijo.20251102.19
AB  - Background: Hearing loss is an increasingly recognized public health challenge that affects communication, social participation, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Although hearing aids provide an effective intervention, their uptake remains low in many low-income countries. In Somalia, adoption is particularly limited due to deep-rooted stigma shaped by cultural, social, and informational barriers. Objective: This study explores the sociological dimensions of hearing aid stigma in Somalia, with a focus on the cultural beliefs, social influences, and media portrayals that reinforce negative perceptions of hearing aid use. Methods/Framework: Drawing on sociological frameworks such as labeling theory and symbolic interactionism, the paper examines how individuals with hearing loss are perceived and treated within Somali society. Cultural narratives that associate hearing impairment with weakness, dependency, or supernatural causes are analysed, along with the roles of family and community pressures in discouraging auditory rehabilitation. Media representations are assessed for their contribution to either reinforcing or challenging stigma. Comparative insights from Sweden, the United States, and South Africa highlight effective stigma-reduction strategies, including inclusive education, public awareness campaigns, and the normalization of assistive technologies. Conclusion: Stigma surrounding hearing aid use in Somalia is multifaceted and deeply embedded in prevailing social norms. Addressing this issue requires a multi-level approach that combines public education, policies promoting access and affordability, and the active involvement of community and religious leaders in reshaping cultural perceptions. Such interventions are vital for improving hearing aid uptake and, ultimately, enhancing the mental health, educational outcomes, and economic participation of individuals with hearing impairments in Somali society.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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