Hearing and Social Networks in Aging
Document Type
Abstract
Start Date
28-4-2026 3:30 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 4:45 PM
Description
Introduction: Age-related hearing loss is associated with communication challenges and adverse psychosocial outcomes, including social withdrawal, isolation, and reduced quality of life (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Lin et al., 2011). Difficulty hearing, particularly in noisy and complex listening environments, can increase cognitive and emotional strain, potentially limiting participation in conversations and group activities (Gopinath et al., 2012). While psychosocial effects such as loneliness and reduced participation are well documented, the relationship between perceived hearing difficulties and the structure and quality of social networks remains unclear.
Purpose: This study investigated whether perceived hearing difficulties are associated with social connectedness in older adults. We hypothesized that greater perceived hearing handicap would be associated with smaller social networks.
Methods: Fifty-three adults aged 60 years and older completed the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) to assess functional hearing and the Berkman–Syme Social Network Index (SNI) to measure social integration and support. The SNI evaluates network size, frequency of contact, and perceived availability of support. Pearson correlations were conducted to examine associations between SSQ total and subscale scores (speech, spatial, and qualities) and SNI scores. Linear regression analyses were performed to further evaluate the relationship between SSQ total and SNI total scores.
Results: No significant associations were found between perceived hearing difficulties and social connectedness.
Conclusions: Perceived hearing difficulties were not associated with social network size or support in this sample. Larger studies incorporating broader measures of social engagement is warranted to further clarify this relationship.
Recommended Citation
Hawkins, Kalaya; Shrestha, Reefu; Picciotti, Elyce; Rishiq, Dania; and Hurley, Annette, "Hearing and Social Networks in Aging" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 13.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/presentations/13
Hearing and Social Networks in Aging
Introduction: Age-related hearing loss is associated with communication challenges and adverse psychosocial outcomes, including social withdrawal, isolation, and reduced quality of life (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Lin et al., 2011). Difficulty hearing, particularly in noisy and complex listening environments, can increase cognitive and emotional strain, potentially limiting participation in conversations and group activities (Gopinath et al., 2012). While psychosocial effects such as loneliness and reduced participation are well documented, the relationship between perceived hearing difficulties and the structure and quality of social networks remains unclear.
Purpose: This study investigated whether perceived hearing difficulties are associated with social connectedness in older adults. We hypothesized that greater perceived hearing handicap would be associated with smaller social networks.
Methods: Fifty-three adults aged 60 years and older completed the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) to assess functional hearing and the Berkman–Syme Social Network Index (SNI) to measure social integration and support. The SNI evaluates network size, frequency of contact, and perceived availability of support. Pearson correlations were conducted to examine associations between SSQ total and subscale scores (speech, spatial, and qualities) and SNI scores. Linear regression analyses were performed to further evaluate the relationship between SSQ total and SNI total scores.
Results: No significant associations were found between perceived hearing difficulties and social connectedness.
Conclusions: Perceived hearing difficulties were not associated with social network size or support in this sample. Larger studies incorporating broader measures of social engagement is warranted to further clarify this relationship.