Just like a tree standing alone in a vast forest, older adults with untreated hearing loss may experience emotional loneliness. A recent study explored the connection between hearing loss, social isolation, and psychological discomfort in older adults. The researchers found that untreated hearing loss was significantly associated with higher levels of emotional loneliness, while depression played a role in social and emotional loneliness as well as satisfaction with social support. These findings suggest that hearing-impaired older adults are at a greater risk of developing loneliness and psychological discomfort. It’s important for hearing health professionals to recognize this psychosocial burden and provide the necessary support and guidance. Want to dive deeper into the research? Check out the full article for more information!
ObjectiveAge-related hearing loss is one of the leading causes of disability in older adults. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between untreated hearing loss, social (perception of quality and quantity of social network) and emotional loneliness (perception of limited emotional support), social isolation (size of the social network), social support (actual or perceived availability of resources from the social network) and psychological discomfort (depression, anxiety, and stress) in older adults.Study DesignCross-sectional study design.MethodsA total of 202 community derived sample of volunteers, age range 40–89 years, mean age (M) = 65.3 ± 11.0 years were recruited. Of these 115 were females (M = 63.2 ± 12.0 years) and 87 were males (M = 68.2 ± 8.9 years). All participants completed a hearing assessment, social interaction and support questionnaire and a social and emotional loneliness questionnaire.ResultsHearing loss significantly contributed to both moderate [P < 0.001, B (95% CI): 0.01 (0.99–1.02)] and intense levels [P < 0.001, 0.02 (1.00–1.04)] of emotional loneliness. Depression was significantly associated with satisfaction with social support [P < 0.001; −0.17 (−0.23 to −0.11), social interaction [P = 0.01; −0.07 (−0.12 to −0.01)], and moderate [P < 0.001; 0.31 (1.22–1.53)] and intense [P < 0.001; 0.29 (1.20–1.50)] levels of emotional loneliness and intense levels of social loneliness [P = 0.01; 0.12 (1.05–1.21)].ConclusionUntreated hearing loss significantly increases the odds of being emotionally lonely. Depression significantly contributes to social and emotional loneliness, satisfaction with social support and social loneliness. Given the higher prevalence of loneliness and psychological discomfort and their associations with untreated hearing loss, hearing-impaired older adults are at significant risk of developing loneliness and psychological discomfort. Therefore, hearing health professionals should be aware of the psychosocial burden that may accompany hearing loss, in order to provide appropriate advice and support.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
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