Dataset Information

Loneliness and Social Network Characteristics Among Older Adults With Hearing Loss in the ACHIEVE Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hearing loss is linked to loneliness and social isolation, but evidence is typically based on self-reported hearing. This study quantifies the associations of objective and subjective hearing loss with loneliness and social network characteristics among older adults with untreated hearing loss.

Methods

This study uses baseline data (N = 933) from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study. Hearing loss was quantified by the better ear, speech-frequency pure tone average (PTA), Quick Speech-in-Noise test, and hearing-related quality of life. Outcomes were validated measures of loneliness and social network characteristics. Associations were assessed by Poisson, negative binomial, and linear regression adjusted for demographic, health, and study design characteristics.

Results

Participants were mean of 76.8 (4.0) years, 54.0% female, and 87.6% White. Prevalence of loneliness was 38%. Worse PTA was associated with a 19% greater prevalence of moderate or greater loneliness (prevalence ration [PR]: 1.19.95% CI: 1.06, 1.33). Better speech-in-noise recognition was associated with greater social network characteristics (eg, larger social network size [IRR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07]). Worse hearing-related quality of life was associated with a 29% greater prevalence of moderate or greater loneliness (PR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.39) and worse social network characteristics (eg, more constricted social network size [IRR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.00]).

Conclusions

Results suggest the importance of multiple dimensions of hearing to loneliness and social connectedness. Hearing-related quality of life may be a potentially useful, easily administered clinical tool for identifying older adults with hearing loss associated with greater loneliness and social isolation.

SUBMITTER: Huang AR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10809043 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Loneliness and Social Network Characteristics Among Older Adults With Hearing Loss in the ACHIEVE Study.

Huang Alison R AR Reed Nicholas S NS Deal Jennifer A JA Arnold Michelle M Burgard Sheila S Chisolm Theresa T Couper David D Glynn Nancy W NW Gmelin Theresa T Goman Adele M AM Gravens-Mueller Lisa L Hayden Kathleen M KM Mitchell Christine C Pankow James S JS Pike James Russell JR Sanchez Victoria V Schrack Jennifer A JA Coresh Josef J Lin Frank R FR

The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 20240201 2

<h4>Background</h4>Hearing loss is linked to loneliness and social isolation, but evidence is typically based on self-reported hearing. This study quantifies the associations of objective and subjective hearing loss with loneliness and social network characteristics among older adults with untreated hearing loss.<h4>Methods</h4>This study uses baseline data (N = 933) from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study. Hearing loss was quantified by the better ear, speech-fr ...[more]

PMID: 37578190

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Project description:BackgroundAge-related hearing loss (HL) is a prevalent disability associated with loneliness, isolation, declines in cognitive and physical function and premature mortality. Group audiological rehabilitation (GAR) and hearing technologies address communication and cognitive decline. However, the relationship between loneliness, physical function and GAR among older adults with HL has not been studied.ObjectivesExplore the impact of a group exercise and socialisation/health education intervention and GAR on physical function and loneliness among older adults with HL.Trial designA Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)-based, 10-week, single-blind, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT).ParticipantsAmbulatory adults aged 65 years or older with self-reported HL.InterventionsSeventy-one participants were screened. Thirty-five were randomised to intervention (strength and resistance exercise, socialisation/health education) and GAR (hearing education, communication strategies, psychosocial support) or control (n=31): GAR only.OutcomesNinety-five per cent of eligible participants were randomised. GAR and exercise adherence rates were 80% and 85%, respectively. 88% of participants completed the study. Intervention group functional fitness improved significantly (gait speed: effect size: 0.57, 30 s Sit to Stand Test: effect size: 0.53). Significant improvements in emotional and social loneliness (effect size: 1.16) and hearing-related quality of life (effect size: 0.76) were related to GAR attendance and poorer baseline hearing-related quality of life. Forty-two per cent of participants increased social contacts outside the study.DiscussionWalk, Talk and Listen was feasible and acceptable. Exercise and socialisation/health education improved loneliness and key fitness measures but provided no additional benefit to GAR only for loneliness. This is the first preliminary evidence about the benefits of exercise on fitness and GAR on loneliness among older adults with HL.ImplicationsThis pilot trial provides key information on the sample size required for a larger, longer term RCT to determine the enduring effects of this holistic intervention addressing the negative psychosocial and musculoskeletal downstream effects of HL among older adults.

Dataset Information

Loneliness and Social Network Characteristics Among Older Adults With Hearing Loss in the ACHIEVE Study.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Loneliness and Social Network Characteristics Among Older Adults With Hearing Loss in the ACHIEVE Study.

Similar Datasets

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