Research by the National Acoustics Laboratories (NAL) shows that elderly adults with a diagnosed hearing loss are twice as likely to have higher levels of loneliness than those without hearing impairment.
But the study found that elderly adults who reported regularly using hearing aids were two times more likely to have lower levels of loneliness than those who did not wear hearing aids. In fact, older adults with hearing difficulties who regularly used hearing aids had a similar loneliness profile as older adults without any hearing problems.
Dr Pádraig Kitterick, NAL’s Head of Audiological Sciences, said that NAL, in partnership with the University of New South Wales, looked at data provided by a cohort of 200 adults over 80 years of age who participated in the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study and analysed the links between hearing, social isolation and loneliness.
“We also found the risk of loneliness increases if their hearing problems affect their ability to communicate with people and take part in everyday activities with others,” he said.
“It really highlights the importance of diagnosing hearing loss early and supporting older adults to take action to address concerns they have with their hearing.”
Severity of hearing loss as a clinical measure did not relate to their level of loneliness. Rather, loneliness was best predicted by the individual’s perception of how hearing impacts their everyday ability to connect with people.
Dr Kitterick said: “It shows that supporting people in accessing regular hearing checks, finding the right hearing solution when appropriate, and experiencing good hearing health is critical.”
Hearing programs in aged care
Ms Emma Scanlan, Hearing Australia principal audiologist, said it’s estimated that up to 85 per cent of residents living in Australian aged care facilities have a hearing loss. However, the number who have hearing aids is substantially less.
“Unfortunately, under-detection of hearing loss and underuse of hearing aids is prevalent in aged care homes, which can be a major barrier to optimal hearing and communication,” she said.
Ms Scanlan said having a strong hearing health program in residential aged care facilities was key to lifting the low rates of hearing loss diagnosis and intervention.
“Robust hearing health programs, starting from a resident’s intake, ensuring they have a hearing test at the outset followed by annual hearing checks, is essential,” she said. “It’s important to remember that hearing is the basis of good communication and quality of life.”
Hearing Australia works with aged care facilities Australia-wide to provide hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and rehabilitation appointments.
“We also offer free staff training focusing on caring for residents’ hearing needs in aged care, in addition to providing helpful information about enhancing their environments, such as reducing noise and troubleshooting for devices like hearing aids,” Scanlan said.
“Staff play a vital role in assisting residents to navigate and access hearing services, finding out what funding is available, maintaining devices such as hearing aids, and supporting them in their communication goals.
“Keeping elderly Australians connected to the people they love and the things they like to do is critical for their health and wellbeing.”
Hearing Australia has also developed a guide to support clients to select solutions that will help address their individual hearing and communications goals.
“We’re here to support people on their path to better hearing which means finding the right solution that will provide value and benefits for them in their everyday lives,” Scanlan added.
“Our guide makes it easier for people to select a hearing device and take action sooner to get the best hearing outcomes.”
Meanwhile, new research from the US has quantified the association between loneliness and dementia by analysing data from more than 600,000 people around the world. The meta-analysis of 21 longitudinal studies showed that experiencing feelings of loneliness increased the risk of developing dementia by 31%.
