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NAL’s research insights into the relationship of hearing loss with loneliness, social isolation, and psychosocial functioning in older people

According to Padraig Kitterick, NAL’s Head of Audiological Sciences, NAL’s recent study conducted in partnership with the University of New South Wales and using data from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study found elderly adults with a diagnosed hearing loss were twice as likely to have higher levels of loneliness compared to those who had not.

Padraig says, “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. 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.”

Interestingly, a clinical measure of how severe their hearing loss was, 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.

A positive finding was that elderly adults who reported regularly using hearing aids were two times more likely to have lower levels of loneliness than those who didn’t. In fact, older adults with hearing difficulties that regularly used hearing aids had a similar loneliness profile as older adults without any hearing problems.

Padraig adds, “It shows that supporting people in accessing regular hearing checks, finding the right hearing solution when appropriate, and experiencing good hearing health is critical.”

How Hearing Australia is working with our partners to make a difference

Emma Scanlan, Hearing Australia Principal Audiologist, says having a strong hearing health program in residential aged care facilities is 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,” says Emma. “It’s important to remember that hearing is the basis of good communication and quality of life.”

Hearing Australia currently works with aged care facilities Australia-wide to provide hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and rehabilitation appointments. Emma adds, “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.

“Staff play a vital role in assisting residents to navigate and access hearing services, find out what funding is available, maintain devices such as hearing aids, and support 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.”

With a range of hearing device options to consider, Hearing Australia has also developed a tool to support clients in selecting 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,” says Emma. “Our tool makes it easier for people to select a hearing device and take action sooner to get the best hearing outcomes.”