Characteristics associated with marginal hearing loss and subjective well-being among a sample of older adults

J Rehabil Res Dev. 1998 Oct;35(4):420-6.

Abstract

The influence of marginal hearing loss on subjective well-being was studied in order to assess the audiological rehabilitation needs of older individuals. Behavioral and audiological data were obtained from 40 subjects 61-81 years of age. Group A included 20 subjects with normal audiometric thresholds. Group B included 20 subjects with mild-to-moderate degrees of high-frequency hearing loss. Each subject completed a hearing loss screening survey, an Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA) and a Profile of Hearing Aid Performance (PHAP). The PHAP and hearing loss screen were adequate assessments of self-reported hearing loss, as was the subjective rating of hearing section of the ATD PA. People with high-frequency marginal hearing loss reported on the ATD PA less satisfaction with their independence, reduced emotional well-being, and more limitation from their hearing loss than those with normal hearing. It is concluded that marginal degrees of hearing loss in older persons can influence subjective well-being, which suggests the importance of a renewed emphasis on audiological rehabilitation for this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Aged / psychology*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Health
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Health Status*
  • Hearing Aids*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / psychology
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / rehabilitation*
  • Hearing Tests
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Quality of Life
  • Reproducibility of Results