Can listening-related fatigue influence well-being? Examining associations between hearing loss, fatigue, activity levels and well-being

Holman, Jack A.; Hornsby, Benjamin W. Y.; Bess, Fred H.; Naylor, Graham

Abstract

Objective
Well-being is influenced by the activities we undertake. Hearing loss may reduce well-being directly through increased listening-related fatigue due to cognitive and emotional strain in challenging situations. Hearing loss and hearing device use may also indirectly impact fatigue and well-being by altering the frequency and type of daily-life activities. This review examines the available literature to help understand the relationships.

Design
We provide (i) a summary of the extant literature regarding hearing loss, hearing device use and fatigue in adults, as well as regarding fatigue and daily-life activity (work, social and physical) and (ii) a systematic search and narrative review of the relationships between hearing loss, hearing device use and activity.

Study sample
The systematic search resulted in 66 eligible texts.

Results
Data examining well-being in persons with hearing loss are limited. Our literature review suggests that well-being can be related directly and indirectly to hearing loss, hearing device use, activity level and listening-related fatigue.

Conclusions
Variations and interactions between hearing loss, hearing device use, fatigue and activity levels can be expected to impact well-being in persons with hearing loss in direct and indirect ways. Future research linking hearing and daily-life fatigue should take account of activity levels.

Citation

Holman, J. A., Hornsby, B. W. Y., Bess, F. H., & Naylor, G. (2021). Can listening-related fatigue influence well-being? Examining associations between hearing loss, fatigue, activity levels and well-being. International Journal of Audiology, 60(sup2), 47-59. https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2020.1853261

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 16, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jan 4, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021
• Deposit Date: Jan 11, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 21, 2021
• Journal: International Journal of Audiology
• Print ISSN: 1499-2027
• Electronic ISSN: 1708-8186
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 60
• Issue: sup2
• Pages: 47-59
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2020.1853261
• Keywords: Speech and Hearing; Linguistics and Language; Language and Linguistics
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5206690
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2020.1853261