Einstein (São Paulo) (Sep 2008)
The perceptions of socially active elderly about disadvantages caused by hearing loss
Abstract
Objective: To determine how socially active elderly who complain of auditory difficulty perceive the disadvantages associated with their auditory condition. Methods: A total of 59 socially active elderly were questioned about hearing difficulties. In 2005, they participated in “Acampavida”, an event organized by Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, to provide senior citizens the opportunity to participate in workshops and lectures, and to socialize. We selected those, who answered that had had some hearing difficulty. They were invited to identify the disadvantages caused by hearing loss and answered the Portuguese version of “The hearing handicap inventory for the elderly – screening version”, comprising ten questions (possible answers: “yes”, “no” and “sometimes”). Rresults: From 59 elderly people interviewed, 32 reported hearing difficulty. Six were male and 26 were female. The age range was 60-88 years. The question that led to more (75%) positive answers (“yes”) was: “Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when talking in noisy environments?”. The “no” answer, predominated in the questions “Do you feel that any difficulty with your hearing limits or hampers your personal or social life?” (84.4%) and “Does a hearing problem cause you to attend religious services less often than you would like?” (90%). The option “sometimes” was answered in less than 26% of cases. Cconclusions: Although the elderly studied reported some hearing difficulty, they felt such problem did not prevent them from going to church and it did not restrict or interfere in their individual and social lives. Communication in noisy environments was the disadvantage more often reported.
