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International Journal of Audiology Volume 62, 2023 - Issue 6
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Research Articles

Changes in audiologists’ mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: the supportive role of professional associations, workplaces and hearing device manufacturers

Rebecca J. Bennetta Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia;b Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, AustraliaCorrespondence[email protected]
ORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9427-5539
ORCID Icon,
Elise Cumming-Potvina Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia;b Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
,
Robert H. Eikelbooma Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia;b Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia;c Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2911-5381
ORCID Icon,
Vinaya Manchiahc Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa;d Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative between Lamar University and University of Pretoria;e Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA;f UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA;g Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, IndiaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1254-8407
ORCID Icon,
Johanna C. Badcockh School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, AustraliaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-4629-2929
ORCID Icon &
De Wet Swanepoela Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia;b Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia;c Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa;d Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative between Lamar University and University of PretoriaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8313-1636
ORCID Icon
Pages 533-540 | Received 16 Dec 2021, Accepted 22 Mar 2022, Published online: 19 Apr 2022
 
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Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore whether self-reported mental wellbeing (anxiety, depression and loneliness) in audiologists has changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine possible factors contributing to audiologists’ current state of mental wellbeing.

Design: Two cross-sectional surveys were distributed at two different time points during the COVID-19 pandemic screening for psychological distress (PHQ-4: anxiety and depression) and loneliness (UCLA-3).

Study sample: 117 audiologists from around the world.

Results: Findings demonstrated that over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic audiologists’ levels of depression decreased, levels of anxiety were low and stable, whilst levels of loneliness were stable and high. Younger age was associated with lower levels of mental well-being. Responses to open text questions suggests that audiologists could be supported through development of clear and consistent guidelines on COVID-19 workplace restrictions, allowing for more workplace flexibility and providing mental health support through employee assistance programs.

Conclusions: The rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness observed highlight the continued need for mental health and workplace interventions to support audiologists throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery period.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank participants for devoting their time to this study, the International Society of Audiology (ISA) for distributing the survey to their members and affiliated societies. We greatly appreciate the assistance of Megan Knoetze and Caitlin Frisby for their help in creating the online survey, and Sara Donaldson for her help with data analysis.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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