The Emotional and Social Impact of Hearing Loss

Abstract

Introduction

Hearing loss affects not only auditory function but also significantly impacts a person's emotional and social functions. The purpose of this study is to assess the emotional and social handicap in patients presenting with hearing loss.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was conducted among 179 adult patients presenting with hearing loss at the otolaryngology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect socio-demographic details and hearing loss characteristics. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed to determine the degree of hearing loss. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) questionnaire was chosen to assess and quantify the self-reported social and emotional handicap.

Results

The study participants, aged 18 to 80 years (mean age 51.4), included 65.9% employed individuals and 49.2% who were married. Bilateral hearing loss was observed in 38%, while 43% had experienced hearing loss for 10–12 months. Pure Tone Audiometry revealed that 15.6% had mild, 18.4% moderate, 51.5% severe, and 14.5% profound hearing loss. HHIA scores indicated that 74.3% experienced a severe overall handicap, with 72.1% reporting significant social impairment and 76.5% emotional impairment. The social and emotional handicaps were significantly associated with sex, laterality of hearing loss, and symptom duration.

Conclusion

Hearing loss significantly affects both the social and emotional well-being. There is a need for tailored interventions which will address the audiological, social, and emotional needs.