Background
Hearing loss and frailty are both common in later life and can have a significant impact on wellbeing, independence and quality of life. Many older adults living with frailty also have other long-term health conditions, which can make managing hearing loss more challenging. Difficulties such as memory problems, poor vision, reduced dexterity and limited mobility can affect the ability to use hearing aids, attend appointments and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals. Despite this, there is limited evidence about the specific challenges faced by older people who live with both hearing loss and frailty and the support they need to manage their hearing successfully.
Aims and Objectives
This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators to managing hearing loss among older adults living with frailty.
The objectives are to:
- Understand the experiences of older adults living with both hearing loss and frailty.
- Explore challenges associated with using hearing aids and accessing hearing support services.
- Identify factors that help older adults manage their hearing loss effectively.
- Develop recommendations for health, hearing and support services.
- Generate evidence to inform future research and the development of interventions that improve hearing loss management in later life.
Methods
This is an exploratory qualitative study involving up to 25 older adults living with hearing loss and frailty. Participants will have been diagnosed with hearing loss or currently own, or have previously owned, a hearing aid. Communication partners, such as family members, friends or carers, may also take part in interviews where appropriate.
Researchers will:
- Conduct in-depth interviews with older adults and, where relevant, their communication partners.
- Recruit participants through existing research cohorts, including CARE75+ and potentially the WeLL-Bradford study, as well as through community groups.
- Hold a workshop involving older adults, audiologists and public contributors to discuss study findings and identify priorities for future support and research.
Further Information
The study is funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme and runs from December 2025 to March 2027.
The project forms part of the NIHR ARC Yorkshire & Humber Health and Care in our Ageing Society theme and aligns most closely with the Frailty and Healthy Ageing areas.
Expected outputs include:
- Guidance for audiology teams to support older people living with frailty and hearing loss.
- Guidance for healthcare professionals to improve communication and engagement.
- Recommendations for local authorities, sensory support teams and hearing services.
- Case-study resources that can be used as learning and awareness-raising tools.
- A further research funding application to develop and evaluate interventions that improve hearing support.
The study addresses an important gap in research and policy. Hearing loss affects around one in six UK adults, with hearing impairment particularly common among older people. Many people who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them, increasing the risk of social isolation and reduced independence. Findings from this study will help identify how services can better support older adults living with frailty to access and benefit from hearing care.
