(New) Hearing Loss and Potential Links to Social Connection Among Older Adults (HELLO)

Age Well SG strand: Encourage active ageing

Principal Investigator: June Teng (Research Associate, GERI)

Collaborating Organisation(s): Singapore Management University (SMU) Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA)

Gap: Hearing issues are associated with a higher risk for social isolation and loneliness which are in turn linked to poorer mental- and cognitive-health outcomes. In Singapore, the prevalence of hearing issues among older adults ranges from 16.1% to 64.6%. There is currently a lack of research on the psychosocial and health implications of hearing loss, with only one local study finding that it was associated with lower social network, more depressive symptoms and lower quality of life.

Planned Solution: This study aims to examine social isolation and loneliness (collectively termed as social connection) among older adults with hearing loss in Singapore and their associations with mental- and cognitive-health outcomes.

Anticipated Impact: Our findings would inform existing health and care services, and the development of potential interventions to help older persons with hearing loss stay socially connected in their communities.

Duration: Aug 2025 to Mar 2026