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Perceived Hearing Impairment in a Rural Community
Research in Gerontological Nursing
|January 24, 2023
Summary
Hearing impairment in rural adults is linked to increased depression, poorer attention, and lower mental quality of life. This study highlights the need for community-based hearing health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontological Nursing
- Public Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Age-related hearing impairment negatively impacts mental health, function, and social engagement.
- Understanding these impacts in rural settings is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate perceived hearing impairment and its association with person-centered outcomes in a rural adult population.
- To explore the relationship between hearing difficulties and mental health, cognitive function, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study design was employed.
- Surveys with validated instruments were distributed in a rural community church.
- Spearman's rank correlations were used to analyze data from 72 participants.
Main Results:
- 31% of participants reported moderate to severe hearing impairment.
- Perceived hearing impairment correlated with increased depressive symptoms (rs = 0.24, p = 0.052).
- Hearing impairment was associated with poorer attentional function (rs = -0.29, p = 0.016) and reduced mental quality of life (rs = -0.21, p = 0.081).
Conclusions:
- Findings support the link between hearing impairment and adverse person-centered outcomes, including cognitive function.
- Results provide a basis for developing community-driven, church-based hearing health programs.
- Addressing hearing impairment is vital for improving well-being in rural older adults.
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