Adapted from a stunning 1999 report by the National
Council on Aging, reveals hearing loss as the most
pervasive cause of depression and isolation, both
cognitive markers, in older Americans who also suffer
from denial of unmitigated hearing loss. Reader inquiries
may be directed to digicarenet@aol.com or by faxing to
(719)676-6882.
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Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Depression, Isolation
in Seniors
(Note: Adapted from a 1999 NCOG report)
Study finds that denial, cost, and vanity are biggest
barriers to use of hearing aids.
Most seniors who use hearing aids cite better family
relationships, improved mental heath.
WASHINGTON, May 26, 1999—
Untreated hearing loss has serious emotional and social
consequences for older persons, according to a major new
study released today by the National Council on the
Aging (NCOA). The study was conducted by the Seniors
Research Group, an alliance between NCOA and Market
Strategies. Inc.
“This study debunks the myth that untreated hearing loss
in older persons is a harmless condition,” said James
Firman, Ed.D., president and CEO of The National Council
on the Aging.
The survey of 2,300 hearing impaired adults age 50 and
older found that those with untreated hearing loss were
more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia
and were less likely to participate in organized social
activities, compared to those who wear hearing aids.
Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic
conditions in the United States, affecting more than
nine million Americans over the age of 65 and 10 million
Americans age 45 to 64. But about three out of five
older Americans with hearing loss and six out of seven
middle-aged Americans with hearing loss do not use
hearing aids.
Consequences
The survey found that significantly more of the seniors
with untreated hearing loss (those who do not wear
hearing aids) reported feelings of sadness or depression
that lasted two or more weeks during the previous year.
Among respondents with more severe hearing loss, 30
percent of non-users of hearing aids reported these sad
feelings, compared to 22 percent of hearing-aid users.
Another measure of emotional distress is the perception
that ‘other people get angry at me for no reason,’ which
psychologists often identify as an indicator of
paranoia.
Older non-users were more likely to agree with the
statement, “people get angry with me usually for no
reason (14 percent of users vs. 23 percent of
non-users). Among those with more severe hearing loss,
the difference was even greater- 14 percent for users
vs. 36 percent for non-users.
Isolation
Because social isolation is a serious problem for some
older people, the study also examined social behavior
and found that people who don’t use hearing aids are
considerably less likely to participate in social
activities. Among respondents with more severe hearing
loss, 42 percent of hearing-aid users participate
regularly in social activities compared to just 32
percent of non-users.
Carolyn Holmes, Ph.D. of the Seniors Research Group
said, “this survey is groundbreaking not only in the
large size of the sample but also in the inclusion of
2,090 close family members or friends of the hearing
impaired respondents who were asked a parallel set of
questions.”
Benefits of Treatment
Hearing aid users reported significant improvements in
many areas of their lives, ranging from their
relationships at home and sense of independence to their
social life and their sex life. In virtually every
dimension measured, the families of hearing-aid users
also noted the improvements but were even more likely
than the users to report improvements. (See chart
below.)
Users Family
Reporting Members
Improvement Reporting
Improvement
Relations at home 56% 66%
Feelings about self 50% 60%
Life overall 48% 62%
Relations w/Children
Grand children 40% 52%
Mental Health 36% 39%
Self-confidence 39% 46%
Sense of safety 34% 37%
Social Life 34% 41%
Relations at work 26% 43%
Sex Life 8% N/A
Barriers to Hearing Aid Users
Why are there so many older people with hearing
impairment who do not use hearing aids? More than
two-thirds of the older, non-user respondents said, “My
hearing is not bad enough” or, “I can get along without
one.” About one-half of the non-users cited the cost of
hearing aids. And one-in-five offered the explanation
that, “It would make me feel old,” or, “I’m too
embarrassed to wear one.”
“It is very sad that millions of older people are
letting denial or vanity get in the way of treatments
that can significantly improve the quality of their
lives,” said Dr. Firman who is hearing-impaired himself.
“Doctors and family members should insist that
hearing-impaired seniors seek appropriate treatment.”
The study was supported by an unrestricted grant from
the Hearing Industries Association. NCOA plans to make
the survey data set available in a few months to other
researchers throughout the world. |
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