Correlation between sensory processing sensitivity and perceived hearing handicap in adults with acquired hearing loss

Title: Correlation between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Perceived Hearing Handicap in Adults with Acquired Hearing Loss

Type: Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives:

• To explore the correlation between sensory processing sensitivity and perceived hearing handicap in adults with acquired hearing loss.
• To use the Highly Sensitive Person Scale to assess sensory processing sensitivity and the Hearing Handicap Inventory to measure perceived hearing handicap.

Justification:

• This study addresses a gap in understanding the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and perceived hearing handicap, particularly in adults with acquired hearing loss. Previous research has not extensively explored these changes or their interrelation.

Study Details:

• Departments Involved: Department of Speech and Hearing
• Study Period: June 2024 – April 2025
• Sample Size: 145 participants, accounting for a 15% dropout rate
• Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18-65 with moderate to severe hearing loss, educated at least until the 10th grade, and able to comprehend English.
• Exclusion Criteria: Individuals with comorbid medical or mental conditions and those with sudden hearing loss.
• Statistical Methods: Karl Pearson or Spearman Rank correlation
• Tools Used: Highly Sensitive Person Scale and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults

Procedure:

• Participants will be recruited from the Department of Speech and Hearing (Audiology OPD), and after fulfilling inclusion criteria, they will complete the two questionnaires. The process, including answering and comprehension, is expected to take about 25 minutes.

Outcome Measures:

• The study will assess participants’ emotional and environmental sensitivity and their perceived hearing handicap.

Ethical Considerations:

• IEC clearance and CTRI registration will be obtained before participant recruitment.

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Literature Review Summary

1. Bilgehan Tekin Dal (2023):

• This study explored sensory processing abilities in adults with acquired hearing loss using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. Findings indicated that hearing-impaired individuals showed significant reductions in processing various environmental stimuli compared to controls.

2. Anu Sharma and Hannah Glick (2016):

• They investigated cross-modal rearrangement in people with hearing loss and discussed how different brain regions adapt to hearing impairment. They observed variations in cross-modal plasticity but did not focus on sensory and emotional sensitivity.

3. Bianca Acevedo (2014):

• This study examined neural activation patterns in conditions including PTSD, schizophrenia, ASD, and sensory processing sensitivity. Unique neural activations for sensory processing sensitivity were identified, emphasizing the need for more research into its distinct neural responses and implications for environmental sensitivity and emotional reactivity.