Hearing Loss and Independence

Today’s hearing fact from the renowned Brocklehurst’s Textbook of Geriatric Medicine
and Gerontology calls attention to a startling reality that is important to keep top-of-mind
as we age: Age-related hearing loss can decrease the ability to perform daily living
tasks without assistance from others.
Perhaps this fact may come as no surprise, since numerous different studies have
shown that hearing health can have a direct impact on our overall health—both mentally
and physically. But how severe would a hearing loss need to be to reduce the capability
to perform everyday tasks? And what types of daily responsibilities may be affected?
We did some digging and uncovered a study that not only answers these questions but
also reconfirms the message behind today’s hearing fact. Let’s explore it, now.
Study examined hearing loss severity and activity limitations
During this Australia-based study, researchers measured the hearing levels of 1,952
adults over 60 years of age, while administering questions regarding the participants’
functional status.
The findings
The study found a correlation between the severity of hearing loss and the ability to
participate in “routine” activities of daily life: Older adults who had a higher degree of
hearing loss had a greater likelihood of difficulty completing routine tasks including
shopping for necessities, making meals, and performing household chores, along
with self-care tasks such as personal hygiene/grooming, dressing, toileting, walking,
and getting in and out of bed.