Research Information System
GERIATRIC NURSING, vol.69, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
This study investigates the impact of hearing loss (HL) on adaptation to aging and nursing home (NUH) environments among older adults. The study included 65 NUH residents, 31 with normal hearing (NH) and 34 with HL. Their hearing thresholds, demographic information, and subjective health perception were evaluated. Adaptation was measured using the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly (ASADE) and the Nursing Home Adjustment Scale (NHAS). Group comparisons used t-tests/Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate; multiple linear regression identified predictors of ASADE and NHAS scores. HL was associated with poorer adaptation to aging: the HL group had higher (worse) ASADE total and subscale scores for Role and Self-Actualization, Interdependence, and Physiological modes, with no difference in Self-Concept. In contrast, NHAS total and subscale scores did not differ between HL and NH groups. In regression analyses, subjective health perception was the only significant predictor of ASADE, whereas no demographic or healthrelated variables (including HL) predicted NHAS. In conclusion, HL adversely affects adaptation to aging but is not a barrier to NUH adjustment. Perceived health strongly relates to aging adaptation, suggesting that interventions enhancing subjective health perception and addressing HL-related barriers (e.g., awareness, access to devices) may improve adaptation outcomes for NUH residents. Future studies should include larger, more diverse samples and evaluate institutional/contextual factors to clarify mechanisms of NUH adjustment. (c) 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.