Finns det könsskillnader i upplevt funktionshinder relaterat tillhörselnedsättning? : En studie om upplevd nytta av rehabilitering och hörapparater

Sammanfattning: Background: The consequences of hearing loss vary and can include both emotional and social impacts, such as social isolation and decreased self-confidence. Communication limitations resulting from hearing loss can also affect participation in social relationships, which can lead to social withdrawal. Previous research has shown that audiological rehabilitation can be an effective method to help individuals manage their hearing loss and increase their self-confidence. Studies have shown that women with hearing loss reported higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to men with hearing loss. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate how perceived disability due to hearing impairment affected individuals socially and emotionally among men and women in the age group of 18-64 years. Furthermore, potential gender differences in this impact were examined, as well as the relationship between perceived benefits of audiological rehabilitation and the use of hearing aids. Method: Method: In this quantitative cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was conducted using the HHIE instrument, supplemented with demographic and background questions. The survey was distributed through HRF's associations, online forums, groups for individuals with hearing impairment, and informational pamphlets containing a QR code for the survey were distributed in the waiting areas of audiological clinics and the Audiological Clinic's Education Reception (AudU) in Örebro. Statistical software SPSS was employed for data analysis. Mann-Whitney U-test was utilized to investigate potential differences between men and women in their emotional and social experiences related to hearing impairment. To examine the correlation between perceived benefits of hearing aids, perceived benefits of rehabilitation, the social subscale, and the emotional subscale, Spearman's correlation was employed. Results: The results of the current study showed no significant difference between men and women in how they experience the impact of hearing impairment emotionally and socially. However, there was a significant positive correlation between perceived benefit of hearing aids, perceived benefit of rehabilitation, and the subscales in HHIE. These findings indicated a relationship between the perceived benefit of hearing aids and rehabilitation, leading to an improved emotional and social function among individuals with hearing impairment. Conclusions: The study found no significant difference between men and women regarding how hearing impairment affected them socially and emotionally. However, the study did find a significant positive correlation between perceived benefits of hearing aids, audiological rehabilitation, and subscales in the HHIE instrument.