Hearing Loss and Functional Status in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Amezcua Pablo Martinez, Assi Sahar, Twardzik Erica, Reed Nicholas, Scow Laura, Kucharska-Newton Anna, Windham B Gwen, Palta Priya
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Does hearing aid use slow physical function declines in older adults with hearing loss?
Conclusion
Hearing loss is linked to increased difficulties in physical function among older adults, and hearing aid use does not modify these associations.
Supporting Evidence
- Moderate or greater hearing loss was associated with increased difficulties in activities of daily living.
- Hearing aid use did not modify the associations between hearing loss and functional difficulties.
- Longitudinally, moderate or greater hearing loss was linked to higher odds of reporting any functional difficulty.
Takeaway
Older people with hearing loss have a harder time doing everyday activities, and using hearing aids doesn't help with that.
Methodology
The study used data from the ARIC cohort to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between hearing loss and functional status.
Potential Biases
Self-reported hearing aid use may introduce reporting bias.
Limitations
The study is based on self-reported data and may not account for all confounding factors.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 79, 58% female, 21% Black.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.02, 1.58
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website