Research Article
Designing Hearing Aids to Mitigate Perceived Stigma Associated with Hearing Impairment
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-031-34586-9_35, author={Guanhua Sun and Leila Aflatoony and Wendell Wilson}, title={Designing Hearing Aids to Mitigate Perceived Stigma Associated with Hearing Impairment}, proceedings={Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare. 16th EAI International Conference, PervasiveHealth 2022, Thessaloniki, Greece, December 12-14, 2022, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={PERVASIVEHEALTH}, year={2023}, month={6}, keywords={Human-Centered Design Stigma Hearing Aids Hearing Impairment Assistive Technology}, doi={10.1007/978-3-031-34586-9_35} }- Guanhua Sun
Leila Aflatoony
Wendell Wilson
Year: 2023
Designing Hearing Aids to Mitigate Perceived Stigma Associated with Hearing Impairment
PERVASIVEHEALTH
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34586-9_35
Abstract
Assistive technologies support people with disabilities in living independently. However, perceived stigma towards using assistive technologies can lead to issues such as non-acceptance or abandonment of these technologies. This study deconstructs stigma perception in people with hearing impairment supported by social psychology and design elements. Users’ feelings towards hearing aid products and their stigmatization are illustrated through related literature and findings from an empirical study. The study revealed the stigmatization associated with hearing impairment and hearing aids, and strategies to overcome related barriers. We then developed a series of hearing aid prototypes in a design workshop and evaluated their efficacy in mitigating stigma in people with hearing impairments. We discuss our findings on stigma threats in hearing aid products, as they relate to the sources of stigma, strategies to eliminate stigma. We suggest considering inclusive design principles to develop mainstream hearing aid products.
