Living with age-related hearing loss and insights for hearing care: a qualitative descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES

Age-related hearing loss is a common chronic condition that affects nearly one-fifth of the global population. It severely impairs communication, leading to social isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life of older adults. Understanding the difficulties and lived experiences of older adults is critical for improving hearing care strategies and communication outcomes.

DESIGN

A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was employed to describe the experiences of older adults with age-related hearing loss from their own perspectives. Twelve participants aged ≥ 65 years with hearing loss were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis identified four main themes, nine subthemes, and twenty-five meaningful statements. The themes reflected the lived experience of age-related hearing loss: 1) loss of "normalcy", 2) early-stage internal struggles, 3) barriers to hearing aid use, and 4) efforts to live alongside hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related hearing loss extends beyond auditory decline and includes psychological, social, and relational challenges. Addressing these challenges through education, group-based approaches involving peers and communication partners, and therapeutic communication is essential to improve hearing aid adherence, promote adaptive coping strategies, and support acceptance of hearing loss. Our findings provide a strong foundation for developing comprehensive interventions and long-term support for older adults with age-related hearing loss.