Characteristics associated with marginal hearing loss and subjective well-being among a sample of older adults.
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.
Scherer
M J
MJ
Institute for Matching Person and Technology, Inc., Webster, NY 14580, USA. mjserd@ritvax.isc.rit.edu
Frisina
D R
DR
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results