A cognitive and personality model of communication handicap in older adults

A model that includes audiological and nonaudiological variables that predict objective and subjective communication handicap was examined in older adults. Age and cognitive variables (information processing speed, working memory span, and audiovisual integration) were hypothesized to predict objective communication handicap after controlling for hearing loss. The effect of age on this type of communication handicap was hypothesized to be at least partially mediated by cognitive ability. Older adults with relatively fast information processing, good working memory spans, and greater audiovisual integration were predicted to have less objective communication handicap. Objective communication handicap and personality variables (assertiveness, neuroticism, and self-efficacy) were hypothesized to predict subjective communication handicap after controlling for hearing loss. Older adults who are more assertive, less neurotic, and have greater self-efficacy were predicted to show less subjective communication handicap.; One-hundred and twelve older adults from a local hearing clinic and from a subject pool maintained by the psychology department at the university participated. Objective communication handicap, information processing speed, working memory, and audiovisual integration were assessed with computer tasks. Subjective communication handicap and personality variables were assessed with questionnaires.; There was a relation between age and objective communication handicap after controlling for hearing loss that was not mediated by cognitive variables. In fact, there was no relation between age and the cognitive variables. Hearing loss, age, and processing speed (but not working memory span nor audiovisual integration) were significant predictors from the model in explaining objective communication handicap. Individuals with greater hearing loss, slower processing speed, and greater chronological age had greater objective communication handicap.; As for subjective communication handicap, the psychological variables explained additional variance of this dependent variable after controlling for hearing loss and objective communication handicap. When examined individually, persons with greater neuroticism, less assertiveness, and less self-efficacy had greater subjective communication handicap. In addition, greater objective communication handicap was associated with greater subjective communication handicap. These findings suggest that knowledge about older adults' cognitive ability and personality relevant to communication handicap can be used by clinicians to help these older adults set appropriate coping strategies for their hearing problems.