Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study

<b>Objectives:</b> This study investigates Greek teenagers’ general knowledge and perception of hearing loss, hearing aid accessibility, and the challenges associated with hearing impairment. <b>Methods</b>: A 27-item self-reported questionnaire was developed and distributed...

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Main Authors: Ioanna Fragoulia, Nikolaos Trimmis, Voula Chris Georgopoulos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Audiology Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4349/15/3/58
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author Ioanna Fragoulia
Nikolaos Trimmis
Voula Chris Georgopoulos
author_facet Ioanna Fragoulia
Nikolaos Trimmis
Voula Chris Georgopoulos
author_sort Ioanna Fragoulia
collection DOAJ
description <b>Objectives:</b> This study investigates Greek teenagers’ general knowledge and perception of hearing loss, hearing aid accessibility, and the challenges associated with hearing impairment. <b>Methods</b>: A 27-item self-reported questionnaire was developed and distributed to 152 participants (aged 12–18) to assess their familiarity with hearing loss, amplification availability, communication strategies, and perceptions of hearing loss. <b>Results</b>: While 94.7% of participants recognized that hearing loss affects communication, only 10.5% correctly identified how hearing aids are accessed. Additionally, 42.1% reported having temporarily experienced some form of hearing loss. Most participants (94.7%) acknowledged communication difficulties faced by individuals with hearing loss, and only 3.4% reported being unable to communicate effectively with someone affected. Among those aware of bullying incidents involving individuals with hearing loss, 78.1% identified classmates as the primary source. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings are consistent with international research and highlight the need for targeted education, awareness initiatives, and clearer access pathways to hearing technology. Improving adolescent hearing health literacy may facilitate early intervention, reduce stigma, and promote inclusion for peers affected by hearing impairment.
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spelling doaj-art-4bf0769688ce450bbb22259412f331e82025-08-20T03:26:53ZengMDPI AGAudiology Research2039-43492025-05-011535810.3390/audiolres15030058Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey StudyIoanna Fragoulia0Nikolaos Trimmis1Voula Chris Georgopoulos2Department of Speech & Language Therapy, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, GreeceDepartment of Speech & Language Therapy, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, GreeceDepartment of Speech & Language Therapy, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece<b>Objectives:</b> This study investigates Greek teenagers’ general knowledge and perception of hearing loss, hearing aid accessibility, and the challenges associated with hearing impairment. <b>Methods</b>: A 27-item self-reported questionnaire was developed and distributed to 152 participants (aged 12–18) to assess their familiarity with hearing loss, amplification availability, communication strategies, and perceptions of hearing loss. <b>Results</b>: While 94.7% of participants recognized that hearing loss affects communication, only 10.5% correctly identified how hearing aids are accessed. Additionally, 42.1% reported having temporarily experienced some form of hearing loss. Most participants (94.7%) acknowledged communication difficulties faced by individuals with hearing loss, and only 3.4% reported being unable to communicate effectively with someone affected. Among those aware of bullying incidents involving individuals with hearing loss, 78.1% identified classmates as the primary source. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings are consistent with international research and highlight the need for targeted education, awareness initiatives, and clearer access pathways to hearing technology. Improving adolescent hearing health literacy may facilitate early intervention, reduce stigma, and promote inclusion for peers affected by hearing impairment.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4349/15/3/58hearing loss awarenesshearing aidsadolescents’ perceptions
spellingShingle Ioanna Fragoulia
Nikolaos Trimmis
Voula Chris Georgopoulos
Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study
Audiology Research
hearing loss awareness
hearing aids
adolescents’ perceptions
title Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study
title_full Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study
title_fullStr Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study
title_full_unstemmed Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study
title_short Exploring Adolescents’ Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study
title_sort exploring adolescents perceptions of hearing loss and hearing aids in greece a survey study
topic hearing loss awareness
hearing aids
adolescents’ perceptions
url https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4349/15/3/58
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AT voulachrisgeorgopoulos exploringadolescentsperceptionsofhearinglossandhearingaidsingreeceasurveystudy