Sara Misurelli, Ph.D., Au.D., CCC-A
Assistant Professor and Director of Audiology
Division of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Department of Surgery | School of Medicine & Public Health
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Clinical Audiology Supervisor | UW Health
Addressing Barriers to Equitable Hearing Healthcare
Hearing loss (HL) affects countless individuals, resulting in significant adverse outcomes, including social isolation, diminished ability to work, and increased anxiety and depression. Many of these individuals do not speak English as their primary language, and for them, access to equitable healthcare can be extremely challenging. It is well-established that treating HL, such as through surgical interventions or amplification (e.g., hearing aids), provides benefits to both the individual and the healthcare system. In fact, the World Health Organization states that untreated HL is estimated to have a global economic cost of $750 billion annually by 2050. Audiologic hearing evaluations, which include word recognition tests (WRTs), are essential for diagnosis and treatment of HL. However, WRTs are primarily available only in English, leaving many non-English speakers without the tools needed to fully understand, treat, and manage their hearing health. This presentation will cover past, current, and future projects aimed at more accessible hearing health care for all.