Research in this laboratory focuses on personality and socio-demographic factors influencing adjustment to hearing loss among older adults. Approximately 40% of adults over the age of 65 experience hearing loss. Adult onset hearing loss, or presbycusis, impacts interpersonal communication, and in turn, quality of life. Despite the negative consequences of hearing loss, less than 20% of all adult candidates choose to use sensory aids or participate in rehabilitative intervention programs. Recent investigations have examined psychological control factors among older adults who either ignore or follow professional advice to acquire and use hearing aids; comparison of personal adjustment among older women and men with impaired hearing; and personal and social characteristics of women with age-normal hearing at selected stages of the lifecourse.
- Garstecki, D.C., & Erler, S.F. (2000). Hearing care providers and individuals with impaired hearing: Continuing and new relationships in the new millennium. In J.G. Alpiner & P. McCarthy (Eds.), Rehabilitative Audiology: Children and adults. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins
- Garstecki, D.C., & Erler, S.F. (1998). Hearing and aging. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 14, 2, 1-17
- Garstecki, D.C., & Erler, S.F. (1997). Hearing loss management in children and adults. In S.E. Gerber & G.T. Mencher (Eds.), Audiology and Auditory Dysfunction. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon
- Garstecki, D.C., & Erler, S.F. (1997). Hearing status and aging. In B.B. Shadden & M.A. Toner (Eds.), Aging and Communication: For Clinicians by Clinicians. Austin: Pro-Ed
- Garstecki, D.C., & Erler, S.F. (1995). Older women and hearing, American Journal of Audiology, 4, 41-46
