Exam Preview for 38685: Hearing Loss, Social Engagement and Mental

Hearing Loss, Social Engagement and Mental Health in Older Adults: Evidence from Population-Based Studies

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. What is the difference between social isolation and loneliness? Social isolation can be improved with hearing aid use among individuals with hearing loss, but loneliness cannot Social isolation is the objective measure of the number/quality of social connections whereas loneliness is the individual’s perceived lack of social connection Social isolation increases risk for mortality, but not loneliness Social isolation is much more common in older adults than loneliness
2. Which of the following question(s) remain unanswered? If there is an association between hearing loss and depression in older adults If there is an association between hearing loss and social isolation in older adults If hearing aids improve depressive symptoms in older adults None of the above
3. Which of the following is NOT a possible pathway by which hearing loss may cause depression? Dysfunctional auditory-limbic connectivity Brain atrophy Common cause Cognitive decline and executive dysfunction
4. In a recent systematic review, hearing loss was associated with a ~1.5 times increased risk of depression in older adults. An 80-year old patient who has a moderately severe hearing loss asks you what his risk of depression is. How do you interpret that estimate of 1.5 for your patient? 50 out of 100 adults with hearing loss will get depression Compared to someone who has normal hearing, your risk of getting depression is 50% higher Compared to a group of people who had normal hearing, risk was 50% greater in participants with hearing loss, but your individual risk may be lower or higher You will not be at increased risk if you use hearing aids
5. Which of the following statements is true? Social isolation is a modifiable risk factor for dementia There are no interventions to improve social isolation and loneliness in older adults The prevalence of depression among older adults with hearing loss is greater All of the above