Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

March 16, 2021

Self-Reported Hearing Difficulties Are Associated with Loneliness, Depression and Cognitive Dysfunction during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • In the context of increased social isolation during the COVID-19, hearing difficulties among older adults were associated with self-reported anxiety, depression, and cognitive function, according to an online survey. Participants (n=80) had a mean age of 76 years and had their hearing measured by the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) and were asked questions about socialization, loneliness, depression, and self-perceived cognitive function both pre-and-post pandemic. After adjusting for age, gender, and education, the association of hearing difficulty with cognitive function persisted.

Littlejohn et al. (Mar 15, 2021). Self-Reported Hearing Difficulties Are Associated with Loneliness, Depression and Cognitive Dysfunction during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Audiology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2021.1894492