Associations between objective hearing function and subjective views of aging

Hearing loss, a common age-related health condition, has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including changes in social participation and cognitive function. As subjective views of aging are influenced by changes in health and functional abilities, we hypothesized that people with poor hearing would exhibit less favorable generalized and personal Views of Aging. Additionally, we explored whether these associations varied by age. Data were analyzed from 148 participants (aged 40-84) who completed an app-based research study: Labs without Walls. Participants completed a validated, app-based hearing task, and a pure-tone average was calculated in the better-hearing ear. Generalized Views of Aging were measured using the Expectations Regarding Aging Scale (with subscales on physical health, mental health, and cognitive function). Personal Views of Aging were measured using the Self-perceptions of Aging Scale. Structural equation modeling was conducted to explore the relative contributions of hearing function to Views of Aging constructs while controlling for chronological age, sex-at-birth, sociodemographic status, loneliness, and cognition. Cross sectionally, poorer hearing was associated with negative age expectations regarding maintaining physical health and with negative self-perceptions of aging. Contrary to our hypothesis, hearing function did not predict age expectations about mental health or cognitive function. No significant age moderation effects were observed. Overall, these findings offer preliminary evidence for distinct associations between hearing and individual Views of Aging constructs and domains. The novel insight into the association between objectively measured hearing and Views of Aging highlights the importance of addressing hearing health early in the aging process to prevent negative outcomes linked to Views of Aging.