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Ageing with long-standing hearing impairment and deafness
1Community Disability and Ageing Program, Research Centre for Adaptation in Health and Illness, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Summary
Older adults with lifelong hearing loss adapt better to aging than those with acquired hearing loss. Lifelong disadvantages impact independence, but adaptation skills are key for well-being in old age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Disability Studies
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Ageing with a long-standing disability has been overlooked in global policy and planning.
- Growing elderly populations necessitate updated considerations for diverse subgroups.
- This study focuses on the experiences of individuals with lifelong deafness and hearing impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report findings on the experiences of people with long-standing deafness and hearing impairment.
- To identify factors contributing to disadvantage in old age for this group.
- To compare their experiences with those who acquired hearing loss later in life.
Main Methods:
- Utilized consumer viewpoints from consultations held in Australia.
- Focused on individuals with long-standing deafness and hearing impairment.
- Compared findings with published data on age-related hearing loss.
Main Results:
- Lifelong disadvantages in education and employment restrict choices and well-being in old age.
- Attitudes of others and inflexible service systems exacerbate challenges.
- Individuals with long-standing hearing loss demonstrate adaptive coping mechanisms.
- Those with age-acquired hearing loss report more emotional distress and isolation.
Conclusions:
- Lifelong disability shapes old-age experiences, presenting unique challenges and adaptive strengths.
- Policy and services need to address lifelong disadvantages to enhance independence and well-being.
- People with long-standing hearing loss exhibit resilience compared to those with acquired hearing loss.