Scoping review in BMC Geriatrics: 21 studies link hearing technology to better communication in older adults

A scoping review published in 2026 in the journal BMC Geriatrics examined how hearing technologies affect the social health of older adults, according to ad-hoc-news.de. The team of Yüceer, Janning, Güney and Wolf-Ostermann screened 1,145 identified records. Twenty-one studies met the criteria for closer analysis ad-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.deOpen source ↗.

The paper appeared under article number 1401. The included studies mostly involved older adults who need care or support, as scienmag.com reported on 10 November 2026.

Where the evidence is concentrated

The reviewed studies most often addressed two domains: appraisal, meaning subjective evaluation, and social participation. Dimensions concerning the formal structure of social relationships and their functional aspects were investigated much less often.

In interaction and everyday life, the analysis reports clearly positive developments. Communication-related outcomes improved with the use of hearing technologies. The devices also reduced existing limits on social participation, and older people were better able to take part in everyday conversations ad-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.deOpen source ↗.

Mixed findings and open questions

For basic psychosocial parameters the evidence does not form a uniform picture. The authors found mixed results for loneliness, general satisfaction with relationships, building and maintaining social networks, and social engagement. According to the review, providing technical aids does not automatically resolve feelings of isolation or make social contacts more intense.

Users in the studies also continued to report stigmatization and social rejection linked to wearing hearing aids. Reservations about visible technology in the ear remain a barrier that can dampen the full benefit of the devices.

The authors point to methodological gaps in current research. They call for longitudinal studies to capture time courses and long-term adaptation. They also say a network-sensitive approach is needed that includes the whole social environment of the people concerned, along with culturally responsive approaches that account for how different social contexts shape the acceptance and effectiveness of hearing technologies ad-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.deOpen source ↗.