Hearing Loss, Social Isolation and Depression in Participants Aged 50 years or over in Tasmania, Australia

Objective: Acquired hearing loss (HL) in adult life is one of the most prevalent health conditions and is associated with several chronic diseases. Hearing loss can lead to reduced social activity and individuals' perceptions of supportiveness within social networks. This study explored the effects of corrected vs. uncorrected hearing loss on social support, social isolation, anxiety and depression.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional study. An online survey was completed by 7442 Australian residents aged 50 years or older as part of the Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND). Respondents were grouped into those with no reported acquired HL, those with corrected HL (managed with hearing aids and other listening devices) and those with uncorrected HL.

Results: Hearing loss was reported by 1274 participants (17%). Compared to male participants, there was a higher proportion of female participants in the No-HL group (25% male, 75% female). Compared to participants with corrected or no-HL, those with HL (n = 548, 7%) reported significantly smaller (p = .007) and less supportive social networks (p = .001), higher self-reported anxiety (p < .001) and depression (p < .001) symptoms. Depression scores were significantly higher in those with HL-corrected than No-HL (SMD = .10, p = .04).

Conclusions: Uncorrected HL was associated with poor mental health and social isolation, compounding the risk of dementia. Correcting for HL appeared to mitigate these outcomes, except for depression. Longitudinal studies are needed to track the effects of HL correction over time. Hearing status needs to be assessed when people present with mental health concerns, so health professionals can make appropriate referrals and provide relevant advice and support.