Expanding Access to Hearing Healthcare for Adults: How Interprofessional Collaboration Can Promote Care Equity From Clinics to Communities.

Abstract

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a prevalent yet often overlooked public health challenge that requires interprofessional teamwork and advocacy to implement evidence-based interventions. ARHL impacts quality of life, cognitive function, and social well-being, yet access to hearing care remains limited due partly due to socioeconomic disparities, stigma, and gaps in interprofessional collaboration. This paper explores strategies to expand equitable access to hearing healthcare through interprofessional collaboration, policy advocacy, and community outreach. Nurses, otolaryngologists, audiologists, primary care providers, and public health professionals play keys roles in integrating hearing screenings into routine care, facilitating timely interventions, and addressing disparities. By leveraging electronic health record prompts, social determinants of health screenings, and interdisciplinary teamwork, healthcare systems can improve early detection and intervention for ARHL. Strengthening nurse-physician communication and fostering interprofessional collaboration ensures that hearing loss is recognized and addressed as a critical component of patient-centered care. Beyond conventional clinical settings, community-based initiatives and policy reforms can further enhance access to hearing services. Expanding insurance coverage for hearing aids, advocating for inclusive healthcare policies, and fostering partnerships with local organizations can bridge existing gaps in care. Additionally, educational campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and increasing public awareness are essential for promoting the adoption of hearing interventions. By emphasizing collaborative approaches to hearing health, this article highlights the importance of addressing ARHL as a clinical and public health priority. A coordinated, equity-driven framework can expand access to care and reduce the long-term consequences of untreated hearing loss in aging adults.