Empowerment in hearing health: A call to action for World Hearing Day
“Imagine navigating a conversation without hearing half the words. For millions, this is daily life. Yet, many hesitate to seek support – not because solutions don’t exist, but because hearing healthcare isn’t just about technology – it’s also about awareness, active participation and self-efficacy.”
World hearing day March 2025
Change mindset and take action
World Hearing Day 2025 calls on us to change our mindsets and take action. By embracing knowledge, confidence, and strategies, we can shift hearing care from passive treatment to active self-management and sense of empowerment.
Healthcare is evolving, with empowerment at its core – giving individuals the ability to navigate their hearing health with self-efficacy, skills and control. In hearing healthcare, this is especially critical, as hearing loss directly impacts communication, relationships, and emotional well-being.
At ORCA Labs, we have together with NAL, Curtin University and Örebro University been researching hearing health empowerment since 2020, recognizing that hearing care is more than just technology – it’s about individuals having the tools to take ownership of their hearing journey.
Empowerment research shows that being empowered lead to better treatment adherence, increased satisfaction, timely help-seeking, active participation in one’s healthcare, and overall improved emotional well-being.
However, many individuals live with hearing loss for years without recognizing it, unknowingly adapting in ways that increase stress and social withdrawal. Early hearing loss recognition is key, enabling individuals to take control, make informed decisions, and embrace solutions that enhance their quality of life (Gotowiec et al., 2022).
But what does empowerment truly mean in hearing healthcare?
How can it be measured, and how can we integrate it into clinical practice?
Health care Empowerment research
What is empowerment in hearing healthcare?
One of the most widely accepted models of empowerment comes from Zimmerman (1995), whose framework underpins our research. He defines empowerment as both a process and an outcome:
- As a process, it involves learning, developing skills, and building self-efficacy to navigate health challenges.
- As an outcome, it leads to greater participation, control, and confidence in managing one’s health.
Based on our research, we define empowerment in hearing health as:
Hearing health empowerment Definition
The process through which individuals with hearing-related challenges acquire and use knowledge, skills, and strategies, and increase self-efficacy, participation, and control of their hearing healthcare, hearing solutions, and everyday lives
Our research Insights
Five key dimensions of hearing health empowerment
Our research identified five core dimensions of empowerment:
- Knowledge – Understanding hearing challenges, available solutions, and rehabilitation options.
- Skills & Strategies – Using effective communication techniques, managing hearing instruments, and adapting to different listening environments.
- Self-Efficacy – Confidence in managing hearing-related difficulties and using hearing solutions effectively.
- Participation – Actively engaging in hearing care, making decisions, and maintaining social connections.
- Control – Taking an active role in managing hearing challenges and making informed choices.
(Ref. Gotowiec,S. et al., 2022)
Having control Hearing aids
The role of hearing aids in empowerment
Hearing loss affects communication, relationships, and emotional well-being, often leading to frustration, withdrawal, and a loss of confidence.
Hearing aids play a crucial role in empowerment by restoring access to sound, enabling individuals to participate in conversations, maintain relationships, and stay engaged in daily life.
However, true empowerment is not just about wearing hearing aids—it’s about having control over one’s hearing health. While hearing aids enhance communication, empowerment comes from understanding hearing challenges, making informed decisions, and adapting strategies that fit individual needs (Gotowiec et al., 2022).
Some individuals choose alternative communication strategies, while others may opt out of using hearing devices altogether. What matters most is not the tool itself, but the confidence and ability to manage hearing challenges effectively.
Hearing aids support empowerment, but real empowerment means feeling independent and in control, no matter which solutions one chooses.
Empowerment questionaires EmpAQ-5 and EmpAQ-15
Measuring Empowerment in Hearing Healthcare
Our research led to two versions of EmpAQ:
- EmpAQ-5 – A brief, five-item questionnaire for quick clinical assessment, helping professionals identify specific areas where clients may need support.
- EmpAQ-15 – A more comprehensive tool for in-depth clinical evaluations and research, providing a broader understanding of empowerment in hearing healthcare.
The EmpAQ evaluates the five identified core dimensions of empowerment:
- Knowledge – Understanding hearing challenges and available solutions.
- Skills & Strategies – Effective communication techniques and hearing management.
- Self-Efficacy – Confidence in handling hearing-related challenges.
- Participation – Engagement in hearing care and social interactions.
- Control – Taking an active role in decision-making.
(Ref. Larsson, J. et al., 2024, Gotowiec,S et al., 2023, Bennett,R.J et al., 2023)
The OFS links:
Clinical use Scoring of empowerment
Administering and interpreting the EmpAQ
Clients respond on a four-point scale (Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree). The questionnaire can be completed digitally or on paper before or during an appointment.
Each item is scored from 1 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater empowerment. This provides clinicians with a clear overview of a patient’s empowerment level, allowing them to tailor interventions based on specific needs.
By systematically measuring empowerment, clinicians can personalize interventions, track progress, and ensure clients have the tools they need to take control of their hearing health.
The EmpAQ provides a structured, evidence-based approach to fostering empowerment, making it an essential part of modern audiology practice.
Individuals who wear hearing aids report higher levels of empowerment and experience greater benefits from their devices compared to non-users
Validation research Positive correlation
The validation of EmpAQ-15 in our latest correlational study —yet to be published—shows that individuals who wear hearing aids report higher levels of empowerment and experience greater benefits from their devices compared to non-users.
Furthermore, empowerment in adults with hearing loss is positively linked to cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.
These findings reinforce that empowerment is more than just access to hearing technology—it also reflects an individual’s confidence and ability to engage in and manage their hearing healthcare effectively.
Clinical use Conversation starter
Clinical implementation of empowerment in hearing healthcare
The EmpAQ-5 is more than an assessment—it is also a conversation starter. Clinicians report that using it in practice enhances dialogue, helping to uncover concerns that might otherwise go unspoken.
By identifying specific areas where clients feel less empowered, the questionnaire supports:
- Personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to patient needs.
- More effective discussions about challenges and solutions.
- A shift toward shared decision-making, ensuring clients play an active role in their hearing care.
Clinical use Empowerment Clinician Toolkit
Turning scores into actionable strategies
To help clinicians apply EmpAQ-5 insights, we developed the Empowerment Clinician Toolkit, providing discussion guides and response strategies.
Based on client responses, clinicians can design interventions that promote empowerment:
- Low self-efficacy? Build confidence through troubleshooting support, hands-on practice, and guided problem-solving.
- Limited social participation? Encourage group engagement, introduce communication strategies, and provide access to peer support networks.
- Lack of knowledge? Offer educational resources on hearing health, hearing technology, and self-management techniques.
- Low skills & strategies? Teach communication strategies, environmental adaptations, and effective use of hearing devices.
- Low sense of control? Guide clients in setting personal goals, making informed decisions, and advocating for their hearing needs.
Ultimately, implementing empowerment in clinical practice enables individuals to take control of their hearing health—by fostering knowledge, self-efficacy, participation, and informed decision-making.
When empowerment leads the way, no one needs to face hearing challenges alone
Raise awareness Integrate empowerment
Now is the time to act
In recognition of World Hearing Day, let’s do more than raise awareness – let’s drive real change. As professionals, we must integrate empowerment into clinical care.
As individuals, we must take charge of our hearing health.
Empowerment means breaking down barriers, increasing hearing loss recognition, and ensuring everyone has access to the tools and support they need.