Publication:

Patterns and predictors of hearing help-seeking behaviour among older adults with hearing loss in a South Indian cohort

Background Hearing loss is highly prevalent among older adults and is associated with communication difficulties, social isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life. Despite these consequences, many individuals delay seeking professional hearing healthcare and hearing-aid adoption for several years. Hence, the study aimed to characterize the extent of help-seeking delay (HSD) among older adults with sensorineural hearing loss in this cohort and to investigate the demographic and audiological factors associated with HSD.

Methods A retrospective, quantitative design was employed using a structured self-report form. The study included 250 participants aged ≥55 years, representing diverse demographic and audiological characteristics.

Results On average, participants delayed 3.5 years from the onset of self-reported hearing difficulties before undergoing a hearing test. Help seeking interval was significantly associated with participants’ age, with younger individuals in the cohort seeking help earlier compared to older counterparts. Socio-economic, rural residence, and hearing loss were significant predictors of delay, while gender and literacy were not. Help seeking interval was independently associated with increasing age and below-poverty-line income, but not with audiological severity or other demographic after adjustment.

Conclusions Despite perceiving hearing difficulties, many older adults in India delay seeking audiological care. The mean pure-tone average at first assessment corresponded to moderately-severe degree of hearing loss, suggesting that help-seeking occurs only when impairment becomes substantial. At this stage, individuals begin considering for hearing help; however, age and financial constraints remain a barrier to timely seek-help.