Effects of Resilience, Self-Perceived Hearing Difficulty, and Demographic Factors on Psychological Distress in Adults With Hearing Loss

PURPOSE: Although hearing loss can have a substantial impact on mental health, relatively little research has focused on factors that predict mental health outcomes among adults with hearing loss. In this study, we examined the effects of self-perceived hearing difficulty and resilience on psychological distress in adults. METHOD: = 118) completed several questionnaires, including a demographic questionnaire, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, the Brief Resilience Scale, and Kessler 6 Psychological Distress Scale. The relationships between demographic characteristics, self-perceived hearing difficulty, resilience, and psychological distress were assessed using bivariate analyses and multiple regressions. RESULTS: Self-perceived hearing difficulty and resilience both predict psychological distress in adults with hearing loss, while controlling for age and income. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that both audiologic and mental health interventions support positive mental health outcomes in adults with hearing loss. Improving patients' resilience may be a particularly important goal for audiologists and mental health professionals who are working with adults with hearing loss.