Publication date: May 26, 2025

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hearing loss and depression of older adults and examine how digital device use moderates the relationship between hearing loss and depression. Secondary data analyses were conducted using data from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans (N = 9,920). Weighted linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between hearing loss and depression and moderating effect of digital device use. Approximately 23. 2% of the participants reported hearing loss. Hearing loss was significantly associated with increased depression (β = 0. 074, p = . 005). Digital device use had a marginally significant moderating effect on the relationship between hearing loss and depression (β = 0. 050, p = . 054). Hearing loss is associated with greater depression among older adults. Our findings suggest that digital device use does not alleviate depression in older adults with hearing loss. Future studies should consider the specific aspects of digital device use and post-COVID-19 changes to better understand the impact of digital device use on hearing loss and depression. Since hearing loss is significantly associated with higher levels of depression in older adults, mental health should be assessed if healthcare professionals work with older adults with hearing loss.

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Original Article