| dc.description.abstract | Introduction : Hearing impairment is a common health issue among the elderly, which can hinder communication and social interaction. If left unaddressed, hearing impairment may lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline, ultimately affecting their quality of life. Objective : This study aims to analyze the relationship between hearing loss and quality of life in the elderly. Methods : This study used a quantitative approach with descriptive analytic methods and a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of elderly individuals at the UPTD Social Service Unit for the Elderly in Binjai who met inclusion and exclusion criteria, selected through purposive sampling. A total of 67 respondents participated in this study by completing the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and undergoing audiometric examination. Results : Based on respondent characteristics, most elderly participants were aged 60-69 (61.2%), female (71.6%), had primary education as their highest level (32.8%), and were unemployed (32.8%). Regarding health history, the majority had no history of illness (47.8%), were non-smokers (73.1%), and did not consume medications (56.7%). Bivariate analysis using Fisher’s Exact Test yielded a p-value of 0.018 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant relationship between hearing loss and quality of life in the elderly. Conclusion : The results of this study demonstrate a significant association between hearing loss and quality of life among the elderly. | en_US |
