Hearing Loss and Subjective Well-Being Among Older Adults: Mediating Effect of Social Activity and Cognitive Function

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives To examine the relationship between hearing loss and subjective well-being (SWB) and to investigate the mediating roles of social activity and cognitive function in the link between hearing loss and SWB. Methods An analysis of 11,949 older Chinese adults was conducted from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey. Multiple linear regression and mediation analysis were conducted. Results Hearing loss had a significant negative association with SWB (B = -0.787; 95% CI: −0.961, −0.613). Hearing loss influenced older adults’ SWB in the following three ways: first, via the partial mediating effect of social activity (B = -0.021, 95% CI: −0.036, −0.009); second, via the partial mediating effect of cognitive function (B = -0.275, 95% CI: −0.347, −0.252); and third, via the serial mediating effects of social activity and cognitive function (−0.016, 95% CI: −0.021, −0.011). Conclusions Social activity and cognitive function play a serial intermediary role in the relationship between hearing loss and SWB among older Chinese adults. Clinical implications Multidimensional health and social interventions aimed at improving mental health and social inclusion among adults with hearing loss should be recommended.