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Older people’s views on what they need to successfully adjust to life with a hearing aid
- Author:
- KELLY Timothy B.
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 21(3), 2013, pp.293-302.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article reports a study exploring what older people believe would enable them to adjust to and gain maximum benefit from wearing a hearing aid. A mixed methods approach was employed during 2006 involving interviews with key stakeholders, a survey across three Scottish health board areas and focus groups. Nine key stakeholders from six national and local organisations were interviewed about the needs of older people being fitted with hearing aids. In total, 240 older people belonging to three different types of hearing impaired older people were surveyed: long-term users of hearing aids, new hearing aid users, and those on a waiting list from urban and rural areas (response rate = 24%). A series of eight follow-up focus groups with 31 audiology patients was held. Health professionals appeared to neglect appropriate provision of information and overly rely on technological interventions. Of 154 older people already fitted with hearing aids, only 52% of hearing aid users reported receiving enough practical help post fitting and only 41% reported receiving enough support. Approximately 40% reported not feeling confident in the use of their aids or their controls. Older people wanted more information than they received both before and after hearing aid fitting. Information provision and attention to the psychosocial aspects of care are key to enabling older people to adjust and optimise hearing aid benefit. (Publisher abstract)
Hidden crisis: why millions keep quiet about hearing loss
- Author:
- ECHALIER Melissa
- Publisher:
- Royal National Institute for Deaf People
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 38p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Hearing loss affects 1 in 7 of the adult UK population, and 55% of people over 60 years. Previous research has suggested that people may wait up to 15 years between the onset of hearing loss and seeking medical advice about it. This delay is problematic because it is important that people start wearing hearing aids as soon as possible in order to adjust to the amplified sound. This study comprised qualitative interviews with 24 hearing aid users (11 aged over 60 years and 13 aged under 60 years) throughout the UK. The aim was to gain a better understanding of people’s decision-making around diagnosis of their hearing loss, particularly identifying the factors that lead patients to consult their GP or a private hearing aid dispenser, and those factors that act as barriers to consultation. The research also aimed to explore the factors that influence whether hearing aid users gain the utmost benefit from their hearing aid, as well as other related factors that have an impact on their ability to live a full life. The findings are presented under the following themes: patients’ journey to diagnosis; experiences of health services; impact of hearing loss on relationships, family and social life; and support and equipment. Recommendations are provided in relation to all of these themes.
Usability of assistive listening devices by older adults with low vision
- Authors:
- WITTICH Walter, SOUTHALL Kenneth, JOHNSON Aaron
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 11(7), 2016, pp.564-574.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Purpose: This study examines the performance of individuals with both hearing and vision loss when using assistive listening devices. Methods: Older adults (age 60–100) with low vision only (n = 23), combined vision and hearing loss (n = 25) and a control group (n = 12) were asked to assemble a pocket talker, and operate a talking clock and an amplified telephone. They either received minimal or no instruction. Success at using the devices properly, as well as performance speed, was recorded. Results: The proportion of individuals with sensory loss that was able to complete our naturalistic tasks without mistakes ranged from 20% to 95%, depending on the device, the task complexity and the instruction provided. Both instruction as well as simple repetition had statistically significant and separate beneficial effects; however, neither was able to bring success to 100% on any device. Speed and task success were linked in an intuitive way, whereby individuals who succeeded at a task also performed it faster. Conclusions: Even minimal explanation during the introduction of assistive listening devices to persons with low vision facilitates user success. Device visibility, cognitive and motor complexity of the task, as well as manual dexterity warrant further investigation as potential barriers to device use. Implications for Rehabilitation: a) Hearing rehabilitation with individuals affected by vision loss requires additional attention and time to accommodate challenges with visibility and task complexity; b) Even minimal rehabilitation interventions can improve success and speed of device use; c) Repetition (practice) and instruction (strategy) have independent beneficial effects on device use; d) Dexterity, visibility, hand-eye-coordination, task complexity and cognitive ability need to be considered when assigning assistive devices for older adults with vision and/or hearing loss. (Publisher abstract)
A world of silence: the case for tackling hearing loss in care homes
- Author:
- ECHALIER Melissa
- Publisher:
- Action on Hearing Loss
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 49
- Place of publication:
- London
Drawing of findings from visits to three care homes in England, this report explores carers’ and residents’ attitudes to hearing loss and how they manage it. Attributes particular to this setting, such as high levels of dementia and low levels of conversation, can work against residents recognising and taking action on their hearing loss. At the same time, the high incidence of other conditions, such as sight loss and dementia, mean that it’s extremely important that hearing loss is managed in these settings, as unmanaged hearing loss can make difficulties caused by such conditions much worse. Interviews and focus groups were carried out, and residents’ hearing screened to gauge how many people had hearing loss but had never been properly diagnosed. The research demonstrates that if care home residents’ hearing loss is managed effectively, there is a real chance of improving their quality of life but also identifies the worrying trend of hearing loss not being diagnosed and managed properly. The report sets out three major recommendations: intervene earlier in hearing loss; meet communication needs in care homes; and improve hearing aid use and management in care homes. (Edited publisher abstract)
How can you help older people to hear?
- Author:
- PRYCE Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing and Residential Care, 13(9), September 2011, pp.423-425.
- Publisher:
- MA Healthcare Ltd.
- Place of publication:
- London
Older people commonly experience hearing loss, particularly of high frequency sounds, resulting in speech sounding muffled and background noise easily obscuring speech sounds. Some estimates suggest that 80-90% of residents in residential settings have significant hearing loss. This article examines the problems associated with managing hearing loss, considering the issue on the level of the individual, institution, and society. Although hearing aids can be helpful, there is a low uptake of hearing aids in residential settings. The article discusses the barriers that currently exist to the use of hearing aids and possible interventions to address them. Staff training and managerial planning are important in ensuring that hearing needs are met. Background noise is prevalent in residential care settings and should be minimised to enable speech to be heard. The use of environmental aids, such as personal amplifiers and looped telephone handsets, is also discussed.
The stigma of hearing loss
- Author:
- WALLHAGEN Margaret I.
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 50(1), February 2010, pp.66-75.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This paper explores the dimensions of stigma experienced by older adults with hearing loss and those with whom they frequently communicate, with the aim of targeting interventions promoting engagement and positive ageing. This longitudinal qualitative study conducted interviews over 1 year with 91 dyads, from the San Francisco Bay Area, where one partner had hearing loss, and had not worn hearing aids in the past year. Data was analysed using grounded theory and constant comparative methodology. Perceived stigma emerged as influencing decision-making processes at multiple points along the spectrum of hearing loss, such as initial acceptance of hearing loss, whether to be tested, type of hearing aid selected, and when and where hearing aids were worn. Stigma was related to 3 interrelated experiences, alterations in self-perception, ageism, and vanity and was influenced by dyadic relationships and external social factors, such as health and hearing professionals and media. Results are discussed in relation to theoretical perspectives regarding stigma and ageism, where the author suggests the need to de-stigmatise hearing loss by promoting its assessment and treatment as well as emphasising the importance of remaining actively engaged to support positive physical and cognitive functioning.
Sound barriers: a study of the needs of older people with hearing loss living in residential care and nursing homes
- Author:
- COUNSEL AND CARE
- Publisher:
- Counsel and Care
- Publication year:
- 1993
- Pagination:
- 21p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Older people with hearing impairment are being denied vital help. This report suggests constructive steps to be taken. Some require mere adjustments in the outlook and attitudes of staff. Services are inadequate, lack direction and suffer from lack of trained staff. These services share in a general poverty of provision for older people.