Cognitive self-consciousness–a predictor of increased anxiety following first-time diagnosis of age-related hearing loss

Abstract

This study tested prospective models of anxiety and depression following a first time diagnosis of age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, which is one of the most common and disabling health problems in the world. The predictor of interest was cognitive self-consciousness (CSC; Cartwright-Hatton & Wells (1997). Beliefs about worry and intrusions: The Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire and its correlates. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 11, 276–279.), or the tendency to closely attend to and monitor the content and process of one's own thoughts. Sixty-seven older adults were assessed at a university-based audiology clinic at three timepoints: at the time of diagnosis (T1), six (T2), and 12 months later (T3). Measures of anxiety, depression, and CSC were collected. It was hypothesized that a subset of older adults with hearing loss would report increased CSC at T2. Additionally, the interaction of CSC and anxiety and depression symptoms at T2 was expected to predict significant variance in measures of anxiety and depression at T3, even after baseline levels of distress were controlled in regression models. Finally, it was hypothesized that consistent use of a hearing aid by T3 would act as a palliative to reduce distress in response to hearing loss at T3. Results were partially consistent with hypotheses and point to a new direction in preventing anxiety and depression following a first time diagnosis of presbycusis.

Keywords:

• presbycusis
• sensorineural hearing loss
• successful aging
• adaptation to sensory loss
• physical and mental health