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

Age Well SG strand: Strengthen support for seniors with care needs in the community

Principal Investigator: June Teng (Research Fellow, GERI)

Collaborating Organisation(s): Singapore Association for the Deaf, Singapore Management University Centre for Research on Successful Ageing, Lions Befrienders, Fei Yue Community Services

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.

Solution: This study examined 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 in the community setting.

Anticipated Impact: The findings will inform existing practices and services in health and social care, and if necessary, the development of potential interventions to help older adults with hearing loss stay socially connected in their communities. Findings will be disseminated via conference presentations, presentations to collaborators and journal publications.

Duration: Apr 2025 to Mar 2026