The Impact of Perceived Hearing Loss and Tinnitus on the Quality of Life in the Geriatric Population: A Multidimensional Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to multidimensionally evaluate the effects of perceptual hearing loss and tinnitus on quality of life specific to the elderly in geriatric individuals aged 65 years and older.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 108 volunteers aged 65-90 years with subjective hearing loss. Participants were contacted via social media and asked to complete the scales using the Google Forms platform. Data collection was conducted between December 2025 and January 2026. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHI-E), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Old (WHOQOL-OLD) quality of life scale were used as data collection instruments. Mann–Whitney U-test, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were applied to the data analysis.

Results: In the group with perceptual hearing loss, the WHOQOL-OLD total score, “sensory functions” (P < .001), and “death and dying” (P = .008) subscale scores were found to be statistically significantly lower. A positive correlation (rho = 0.312) was found between HHI-E and THI, whereas a strong negative correlation (rho = −0.587) was found between HHI-E and the sensory function sub-dimension of quality of life. According to the established regression model (R2 = 0.230), the level of hearing impairment was found to be a more dominant predictor of quality of life compared to the presence of tinnitus.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence of perceived hearing loss and tinnitus among older adults. Perceived hearing loss negatively affects not only sensory functions but also the social participation and existential well-being of elderly individuals. In clinical practice, the use of screening tools such as HHI-E is critical for the early detection of hearing loss and the development of holistic rehabilitation strategies to prevent social isolation.

Cite this article as: Batuk İT, Karakuluk I. The impact of perceived hearing loss and tinnitus on the quality of life in the geriatric population: A multidimensional analysis. Arch Health Sci Res. 2026, 13, 0007, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2026.26007.