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Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review
Aishwarya Shukla1,2, Michael Harper1, Emily Pedersen2
1Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Summary
Hearing loss in older adults is linked to increased social isolation and loneliness. This review highlights the association, suggesting potential impacts on cognitive and psychosocial well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are linked to adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality and healthcare costs.
- Hearing loss is prevalent in older adults and can significantly impair communication and social engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the association between hearing loss and social isolation or loneliness in older adults.
- To synthesize findings regarding the relationship between impaired hearing and subjective feelings of loneliness or objective social isolation.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library.
- Included studies were in English, focused on older adults with hearing loss, utilized validated measures for social isolation/loneliness, and were assessed for quality using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
- Two independent reviewers screened articles, with a third reviewer for adjudication.
Main Results:
- Out of 2495 identified studies, 14 were included in the review, predominantly cross-sectional (12/14).
- Despite varied methods for assessing hearing, loneliness, and isolation, most adjusted studies indicated a significant association between hearing loss and increased risk of loneliness and social isolation.
- Gender was identified as a potential effect modifier, with hearing loss showing a stronger association with loneliness and isolation in women compared to men.
Conclusions:
- The findings underscore a significant link between hearing loss and increased loneliness and social isolation in older adults.
- This association has critical implications for the cognitive and psychosocial health of the aging population.
- Further research is recommended to explore whether interventions for hearing loss can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness.
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