Age-Related Hearing Difficulties: II. Psychological and Sociological Consequences of Hearing Problems -A Controlled Study

Abstract

71 individuals aged 70-75 years, whose audiological profile has been described in part I' of the study, were subjected to an extensive psychological questionnaire to evaluate the influence of hearing impairment on the psychological and sociological profile and general behaviour. The subjects consisted of three groups: first-time applicants for hearing-aids, re-applicants, and a control group not complaining of hearing problems. Neither hearing deterioration in general, as measured by hearing handicap and communication handicap, nor noise-induced hearing impairment was correlated to social class. The general activity level and the intellectual capacity were independent of hearing level, but a significant correlation was found between activity level and intellectual capacity. Also social class was correlated to activity level and intellectual level. Thus, a highly active life was correlated to preserved intellect and higher social class. Most of the elderly regarded themselves as being active, but this did not correlate with the objective activity score. Decreased activity was not correlated to hearing problems, but rather to physical limitations, decreased number of interests, tiredness. Self-perception was not influenced by the degree of hearing handicap and a stable mood and an optimistic attitude predominated. Only 14% experienced a depressed mood, and this state seemed to be linked to deteriorated hearing.

Key Words:

• Hearing handicap
• Communication handicap
• Social class
• Intellectual functional level
• Activity
• Social contacts
• Depression
• Self-perception
• Life quality