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Hearing Loss Prevalence and Management in Nursing Home Residents
Author(s) -
Garahan Margaret Bunce,
Waller Julian A.,
Houghton Martha,
Tisdale William A.,
Runge Carl F.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1992.tb01932.x
Subject(s) - medicine , nursing homes , hearing loss , nursing , medline , gerontology , family medicine , audiology , political science , law
Objectives To determine the prevalence and management of hearing loss and hearing handicap among non‐demented nursing home residents. Design Descriptive study of total population of two nursing homes. Participants All 121 eligible residents. Settings Two nursing homes. Mini Outcome Measures Audiometry, questionnaires of nurses and subjects regarding perceived hearing handicap, and documentation in medical records of hearing loss. Results 77% had at least a mild (≥26 dB Hearing Level) hearing loss in the better ear, and 51% had a moderate to severe loss (≥41 dB HL). Self‐assessments of hearing handicap by residents, together with audiometric findings and expressed interest in a hearing aid, were more useful guides for aural rehabilitation needs than were nurses' assessments of residents' handicaps. Medical records failed to identify 48% of residents with moderate to severe hearing losses. Fifty‐eight percent of residents with severe hearing loss currently had hearing aids, and 38% more would like to have an aid. Conclusion Residents should have hearing evaluations with documentation of results on admission and periodically under the direction of a nurse trained as a hearing specialist. Environmental modifications of the NH plus use of hearing aids can improve hearing.