A scoping review of studies investigating hearing loss, social isolation and/or loneliness in adults. (22nd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bott, Anthea; Saunders, Gabrielle
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 60(2021)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2021-07-22
• Subjects: Hearing loss -- social isolation -- loneliness -- scoping review; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1915506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness are interrelated but independent constructs that threaten healthy aging and well-being and are thought to be associated with hearing loss. Our aim was to review the empirical studies that have examined the association between hearing loss and social isolation and/or loneliness to highlight future research needs. Design: Scoping review. Study sample: Three electronic databases were searched combining key terms of "hearing loss", "hearing impairment" and "deaf*" with "social isolation" or "loneliness", yielding an initial result of 939 articles. After removing duplicate articles, abstract screening and full-text review, 57 original articles met our inclusion criteria. Results: Studies were diverse in terms of methodology with the most common type of study being studies that have explored the relationship between hearing loss and social isolation/loneliness from large population-based datasets. Only eight studies were intervention studies and of these, only one specifically explored the outcomes of hearing aids (HAs) on social isolation/loneliness. Conclusions: Further research is warranted to examine the influence that hearing interventions, in particular HAs, have on social isolation and/or loneliness, with a specific need to include people who identify as being socially isolated and/or lonely at baseline.