Impact of hearing loss and hearing aid use on psychosocial health and well-being and healthcare cover in the older population in Ireland

Abstract

Self-reported hearing loss increased from 40% to 46% in men and from 32% to 39% in women between Waves 2 and 5. It was most commonly reported in those aged 75 and over, with 58% of men and 54% of women in this age group reporting a hearing loss in Wave 5. • Overall, 11% of the older population wore hearing aids at Wave 5; however, 21% of women and 28% of men aged 75 years and older who wear hearing aids report fair/ poor hearing, highlighting the high level of ineffective treatment and unmet need in this group. • Social participation and social integration are lower for women who report poor self- rated hearing without hearing aids, but there is no difference in social engagement in either men or women who wear hearing aids, regardless of how they rate their hearing. • Poor self-rated hearing without hearing aids is associated with higher depressive symptoms, higher loneliness and lower quality of life; hearing aid use is however associated with better psychosocial health and well-being scores. • 13% of adults who rated their hearing as fair/poor with an aid indicated that they needed hearing services but did not access them, highlighting the scope for further assessment and intervention to improve hearing function. Men are less likely to seek additional support for hearing or hearing aid related problems. • Given the high prevalence, but largely modifiable nature, of hearing impairment, improving audiology screening and addressing the barriers to hearing aid use would have significant public health implications and would improve the ageing experience for many.