The impact of untreated hearing loss on socio-emotional well-being and life satisfaction in older Maltese adults

Abstract

This study explores the impact of untreated hearing loss (HL) on socio-emotional well-being (SEWB) and life satisfaction (LS) in older Maltese adults. While prior research has primarily focused on specific mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, less attention has been given to broader constructs like SEWB and LS, particularly in individuals with untreated HL. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly – Screening Version (HHIE-S) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used to assess SEWB and LS in individuals with untreated HL. The study also sought to compare these outcomes with those of a control group without HL, examine the influence of demographic and hearing-related variables, and explore the relationship between SEWB and LS. A total of 92 participants aged 65 years and over were included, comprising 73 older adults with untreated HL (target group) and 19 without HL (control group), as determined through hearing screenings. Inferential analysis revealed that individuals with untreated HL perceived their SEWB to be significantly lower than those without HL. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of overall LS, suggesting that LS may remain stable despite reduced socio-emotional well-being. Notably, around half of the participants with untreated HL (n = 33, 45.2%) were found to be highly satisfied with their life. These findings highlight the socio-emotional impact of untreated HL while showing the relative independence of life satisfaction from socio-emotional decline. This study highlights the importance of examining untreated HL as a distinct factor influencing older adults’ well-being