Relationships Among Self-Perceived Health and Functional Status, Hearing Aid Self-Efficacy, and Communication-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults with Hearing Loss Who Are Persistent Hearing Aid Users

Purpose: This study examined the relationships among perceived health and functional status, hearing aid self-efficacy, and communication-related quality of life (CRQoL) in older adults with continuous hearing aid use, and identified demographic influences. Methods: The participants included 105 adults aged ≥50 years in Busan, South Korea, who had used hearing aids for at least 3 months. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing perceived health and functional status, CRQoL, and a modified Korean version of the measure of audiologic rehabilitation self-efficacy for hearing aids. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variances, and Pearson’s correlation analyses were performed. Results: Participants rated their hearing status most positively and their emotional well-being and cognitive function lowest. The mean self-efficacy score for hearing aid use was 3.78, with the highest scores for basic handling and the lowest for advanced handling skills. The mean CRQoL score was 3.59, with “roles and self-identity” rated highest and “interpersonal interaction” lowest. Age differences were significant for self-efficacy and CRQoL (p < 0.05), whereas gender and education levels were not. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between perceived health and functional status and both self-efficacy (r = 0.280 to 0.487; p < 0.01) and CRQoL (r = 0.226 to 0.344; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Older adults who perceived their health and functional status more negatively reported lower self-efficacy for hearing aid use and poorer CRQoL. Enhancing positive self-perception and self-efficacy may promote successful hearing aid use and improve overall communication outcomes. These findings underscore the need for biopsychosocial and family-centered approaches in aural rehabilitation programs for older adults with hearing loss.