The Effects of Hearing Handicaps and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living on Hearing-Handicap-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate hearing handicaps, instrumental activities of daily living, and hearing-handicap-related quality of life among community-dwelling older adults and identify factors that influence hearing-handicap-related quality of life.Methods: A total of 129 older adults aged 65 and over participated in the study, and data collection was conducted from December 20th, 2020 to March 20th, 2021. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.Results: Self-reported hearing handicaps positively associated with instrumental activities of daily living (r=.82, p<.001), and negatively associated with hearing-handicap-related quality of life (r=-.80, p<.001). Instrumental activities of daily living negatively associated with hearing-handicap-related quality of life (r=-.71, p<.001). Hearing handicaps influenced hearing-handicap-related quality of life (β=-.70, p<.001). A regression model explained 66% of the variance in hearing-handicap-related quality of life.Conclusion: Hearing handicaps affect hearing-handicap-related quality of life of older adults living in the community. Therefore, nursing interventions to prevent hearing handicaps are required to improve hearing-handicap-related quality of life of older adults.