Self-Efficacy in Hearing
Pronunciation: self ef-ih-KAH-see in HEER-ing
A patient's belief in their own ability to manage hearing-related challenges, communicate effectively, and engage with aural rehabilitation strategies, often measured by validated scales in rehabilitation outcome research.
Full Definition
Self-efficacy in hearing is an application of Bandura's general self-efficacy theory to the domain of hearing rehabilitation, reflecting an individual's confidence in their capacity to cope with hearing loss, use hearing devices effectively, and employ active communication strategies. Higher self-efficacy is associated with greater hearing aid uptake, more consistent device use, and improved rehabilitation outcomes. Validated tools such as the Measure of Audiological Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy for Hearing Aids (MARS-HA) are used to quantify this construct. Editors must distinguish 'self-efficacy' (task-specific belief in capability) from 'self-esteem' (general self-worth) and 'motivation'—these are related but distinct psychological constructs that should not be used interchangeably in research manuscripts. The hyphen in 'self-efficacy' is obligatory.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'self-efficacy.' Do not use interchangeably with 'self-esteem' or 'motivation' in rehabilitation research documents. When citing specific measurement tools (e.g., MARS-HA), spell out the full name at first mention with the abbreviation in parentheses.
In Context
- "Group aural rehabilitation programmes have been shown to improve self-efficacy in hearing among older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss." — Systematic review abstract in audiology journal
- "The manuscript conflated 'self-efficacy' and 'self-esteem,' and the reviewer's note requested that the author clarify these as distinct constructs with separate measurement tools." — Peer-review editorial feedback