Work

Lived experiences and illness perceptions of older adults with age-related hearing loss before the use of hearing aids: An interpretative phenomenological study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Age-related hearing loss is a chronic health condition experienced by over 65% of adults aged > 60 years. • Although phenomenological studies can provide insight into the lived experiences and illness perceptions of older adults with age-related hearing loss, few studies have been conducted. • Findings from analysis of face-to-face interviews found age-related hearing loss resulted in physical, emotional and social challenges, which reduced interactions with friends and family and led to social isolation. • Acceptance of hearing loss had positive impacts on these challenges; inability to adjust resulted in feelings of frustration and defeat. • Early assessment of age-related hearing loss could allow early initiation of interventions providing strategies that could mitigate feelings of isolation and improve quality of life. Age-related hearing loss is a chronic health condition. This qualitative study applied the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation to explore the lived experiences and illness perceptions of older adults with age-related hearing loss. Twenty older adults ≥ 65 years of age with hearing loss were recruited by purposive sampling. Data were collected with face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Interpretive phenomenological analysis analyzed the interview data. Four overarching themes described the experience of hearing loss: 1) awareness, 2) impacts, 3) coping, and 4) appraisal. These highlight of how participants perceived and reacted to progressive hearing loss before adopting hearing aids. The impact of hearing loss was diverse and complex and included fatigue, stress, and interpersonal conflicts. Participants responded with changes in behaviors that were proactive or avoidant. Our findings may help clinicians understand how older adults perceive and manage age-related hearing loss, which could guide the development of effective individual and family-focused interventions.

Source: Geriatric Nursing

DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.11.006

Authors: Ya-Chuan Tseng, Sara Hsin-Yi Liu, Bih-Shya Gau, Tien-Chen Liu, Nien-Tzu Chang, Meei-Fang Lou

Institutions: Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,120