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Hearing loss and depressive symptoms in elderly patients
Author(s) -
Boi Raffaella,
Racca Luca,
Cavallero Antonio,
Carpaneto Veronica,
Racca Matteo,
Dall' Acqua Francesca,
Ricchetti Michele,
Santelli Alida,
Odetti Patrizio
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2011.00789.x
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , hearing loss , mood , comorbidity , depression (economics) , geriatric depression scale , center for epidemiologic studies depression scale , activities of daily living , mental health , caregiver burden , rating scale , vitality , gerontology , psychiatry , cognition , depressive symptoms , audiology , psychology , dementia , disease , developmental psychology , philosophy , nursing , theology , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Aims: Hearing loss is a common disability that has a profound impact on communication and daily functioning in the elderly. The present study assesses the effects of hearing aids on mood, quality of life and caregiver burden when hearing loss, comorbidity and depressive symptoms coexist in the elderly. Methods: A total of 15 patients aged older than 70 years suffering from hearing loss and depressive mood were recruited. Comorbidity was evaluated by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, functional ability by the Activities of Daily Living scale and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, cognitive capacity by the Mini‐mental State Examination and the Clock Drawing Test, psychological status by the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression scale, and quality of life by the Short Form (36) Health Survey. Caregiver burden was appraised by the Caregiver Burden Inventory. Testing was carried out at baseline and at 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐month intervals, assessing the use of binaural digital and programmable hearing aids. Results: Reduction in depressive symptoms and improved quality of life at statistically significant levels were observed early on with the use of hearing aids. In particular, general health ( P < 0.02), vitality ( P < 0.03), social functioning ( P < 0.05), emotional stability ( P < 0.05) and mental health ( P < 0.03) all changed for the better, and were maintained for the study duration. The degree of caregiver burden also declined, remaining low throughout the study. Conclusions: The benefits of digital hearing aids in relation to depressive symptoms, general health and social interactivity, but also in the caregiver – patient relationship, were clearly shown in the study. The elderly without cognitive decline and no substantial functional deficits should be encouraged to use hearing aids to improve their quality of life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 440–445.