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Coping-with-hearing-loss model for older adults
1Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. rggomez@artsci.wustl.edu
Summary
Psychosocial factors significantly influence how individuals cope with hearing loss, impacting their use of adaptive or maladaptive communication strategies. Addressing these non-audiological aspects is key for effective hearing loss management.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hearing loss affects communication and quality of life.
- Coping strategies are crucial for managing hearing loss.
- Psychosocial factors play a role in hearing loss adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a model explaining the influence of psychosocial factors on hearing loss coping strategies.
- To differentiate between adaptive and maladaptive coping behaviors.
- To identify predictors of strategy use in older adults with hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Development of a coping-with-hearing-loss model.
- Assessment of psychosocial factors (attitudes, adjustment, social support).
- Evaluation of perceived strategy effectiveness and its impact on adaptive/maladaptive strategy use.
Main Results:
- Nonaudiological variables were stronger predictors of coping behaviors than audiological measures.
- Perceived strategy effectiveness predicted the use of adaptive strategies.
- Maladaptive strategies were linked to perceived strategy ineffectiveness, poor adjustment, and low social support.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial factors are critical in how individuals cope with hearing loss.
- Interventions should consider psychological and social aspects for effective hearing loss management in older adults.
- Addressing adjustment and social support can improve coping mechanisms.