How do elderly people cope with hearing and communication problems? About the psychosocial implications of presbycusis

Author(s): Nowak, M.

Journal/Book: Z Klin Psychol Forsch Praxis. 1998; 27: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe & Huber Publishers. 105-110.

Abstract: Hearing loss is a typical impairment in old age. Hearing impaired elderly people have to cope with hearing and understanding problems in verbal communications. This study examined the effects of personal and situational characteristics in coping with hearing and understanding problems. Further, the efficacy of different communication behaviors was examined. A distinction was made between invasive (active or intervening) and evasive (passive or avoiding) communication behavior. Using diaries, elderly people (n = 79) recorded hearing-related communication problems. Results show that situational and personal characteristics influenced communication behavior. With increasing duration of communication episodes both invasive and evasive communication behavior increased. When speaking with familiar interaction partners participants showed more invasive communication behavior. Evasive communication behavior was negatively related to perceived coping efficacy. The results are discussed in relation to communication theories.

Note: Article TeschRomer C, Univ Greifswald, Inst Psychol, Franz Mehring Str 47, D-17487 Greifswald, GERMANY

Keyword(s): hearing loss; elderly; coping; communication

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