A Review of the Impact of Hearing Interventions on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older People With Hearing Loss
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Ellis, S., Sheik Ali, S., et al. (2021).
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 278(12), 4653-4661.
This systematic review investigates the effect of hearing interventions (e.g., hearing aids, implanted hearing devices, aural rehabilitation) on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life in adults, 60 years and older, with hearing loss.
Not stated
From database inception to September 12, 2020
Published studies reporting outcome results (excluding conference abstracts and review articles)
7
Seven studies investigating the effects of hearing interventions (e.g., hearing aids, implanted hearing devices, aural rehabilitation) found improved patient-reported outcomes for social isolation and loneliness in older adults; however, results showed no statistical significance. While evidence suggests a lasting positive impact on loneliness, available evidence on the long-term effects of social isolation is limited. The authors note that the "reliability of the findings are limited by this small number of studies as well as the fact that, particularly for social isolation the measures are not validated and specific to this measure" (p. 4659). Further research is warranted.
