Influential factors in driving confidence among hearing-impaired older adults in Cape Town

• Main Author: Cohen, Romy
• Other Authors: Rogers, Christine
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Health Sciences 2020
• Subjects: hearing loss; audiology; older adults; driving confidence
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32182

Research has shown that age-related hearing loss may have profound implications on all aspects of an individual's life, including cognitive abilities. The relationship between hearing loss and cognition has led to research which indicates an association between objective hearing loss and reduced driving performance in older adults. However, little research exists on the relationship between self-perceived hearing loss and driving confidence, particularly in the South African context. The current study aimed to identify possible associations between driving confidence and hearing loss, age, sex and driving safety among older adults. Data analysis indicated a significant increase in driving confidence after one month of first-time hearing aid use. An insignificant or weak relationship was found between self-perceived hearing loss and level of driving confidence. Age, sex and a combination of both were significantly associated with level of driving confidence. No association was found between pure-tone average and level of driving confidence or between pure-tone average and driving safety. Further research in this area could assist in advising legislation relating to licensing and road safety campaigns targeted at older adults, as well as expanding audiologists' duty of care to include counselling on the potential positive effects of hearing aid use on driving confidence.