Longitudinal Associations of Hearing Impairment with Social Isolation Among Black and White Older Adults
2024
Hearing Impairment and Social Isolation in Older Adults
Sample size: 2227
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Thoma Mary, Ferguson Erin, Torres Jacqueline, Armstrong Nicole, Yaffe Kristine, Brenowitz Willa
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
Is hearing impairment a risk factor for social isolation among older adults?
Conclusion
Untreated hearing impairment is linked to increased social isolation and depressive symptoms in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Untreated objective hearing impairment is associated with less frequent contact with friends.
- Self-reported hearing impairment is linked to more depressive symptoms and loneliness.
Takeaway
If older people have trouble hearing, they might not see their friends as often and could feel sadder.
Methodology
Data from the HealthABC study was analyzed using mixed effects models over 6 visits.
Limitations
The study primarily used self-reported data for some measures.
Participant Demographics
Black and White adults aged 70-79.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.08,2.00
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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