Lo âu và trầm cảm ở người cao tuổi bị suy giảm thính lực đột ngột tại Bệnh viện Hữu nghị Việt Tiệp năm 2024

Sudden hearing loss (SHL) significantly impairs an individual's ability to perceive sound, often leading to considerable quality of life challenges. As the global population ages, with Vietnam experiencing one of the fastest demographic shifts towards an elderly population, the prevalence of age-related health issues, including SHL, is on the rise. Beyond the immediate physiological impact, SHL is frequently associated with psychological distress, notably anxiety and depression. These mental health conditions are major causes of disability among the elderly and can be exacerbated by social isolation stemming from hearing impairment. Given the scarcity of local research on this critical public health concern, this study aims to describe the prevalence of anxiety and depression among elderly patients with sudden hearing loss at Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital in 2024 and identify associated factors.

Medical professionals, healthcare researchers, and policymakers specializing in geriatrics, audiology, and mental health.

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety and depression among 101 elderly patients diagnosed with sudden hearing loss (SHL) at Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital in Hai Phong, Vietnam, between August and December 2024. Participants' anxiety levels were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, while depression was measured with the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21).
The findings revealed a notable prevalence of mental health issues within this vulnerable population. Specifically, 12.9% of elderly patients with sudden hearing loss experienced mild anxiety, and a higher proportion, 26.7%, suffered from depression, with varying severities including mild (14.8%), moderate (8.9%), severe (1%), and very severe (2%) cases. The study identified significant associations between certain factors and these psychological outcomes. Tinnitus was significantly associated with increased anxiety (p < 0.05), suggesting that the persistent perception of phantom sounds may exacerbate emotional distress. Furthermore, marital status played a crucial role in depression, with unmarried or single elderly patients showing a higher risk (p < 0.05). This highlights the importance of social support structures.
These results underscore that anxiety and depression are prevalent and significant comorbidities in elderly patients with sudden hearing loss. The implications of these findings are substantial, suggesting an urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies. Healthcare providers and policymakers should consider strengthening support measures, including psychological counseling and community integration programs, to improve the overall quality of life and mitigate the burden of anxiety and depression following sudden hearing loss. Future research could explore longitudinal studies with larger and more diverse samples to address potential recall bias and deepen the understanding of these complex interrelationships.