Characteristics associated with marginal hearing loss and subjective well-being among a sample of older adults

The influence of marginal hearing loss on subjective well-being was studied in order to assess the audiological rehabilitation needs of older individu als. Behavioral and audiological data were obtained from 40 subjects 61-81 years of age. Group A included 20 subjects with normal audiometric threshol ds. Group B included 20 subjects with mild-to-moderate degrees of high-freq uency hearing loss. Each subject completed a hearing loss screening survey, an Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA) and a Pr ofile of Hearing Aid Performance (PHAP). The PHAP and hearing loss screen w ere adequate assessments of self-reported hearing loss, as was the subjecti ve rating of hearing section of the ATD PA. People with high-frequency marg inal hearing loss reported on the ATD PA less satisfaction with their indep endence, reduced emotional well-being, and more limitation from their heari ng loss than those with normal hearing. It is concluded that marginal degre es of hearing loss in older persons can influence subjective well-being, wh ich suggests the importance of a renewed emphasis on audiological rehabilit ation for this population.