Screening for Auditory Processing Difficulties in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Using Screening Checklist for...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Gerontology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Aging impacts central and peripheral auditory systems, leading to potential auditory processing deficits in older adults.
• Early identification of auditory processing difficulties is vital for timely referrals and management.
• Hearing impairment in older adults necessitates a closer look at their auditory processing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen older adults with hearing impairment for auditory processing difficulties.
• To determine the prevalence of auditory processing difficulties in this demographic.
• To emphasize the need for targeted screening tools for auditory processing in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-five participants with diagnosed hearing impairment were assessed.
• The Screening Checklist for Auditory Processing for Adults-Modified 2-point rating scale was utilized.
• Data collection involved direct and telephonic interviews with participants.

Main Results:

• Auditory processing difficulties were identified in 26 participants (47.3%).
• These difficulties were specifically noted in individuals with bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss.
• The findings highlight a significant subgroup of hearing-impaired older adults facing processing challenges.

Conclusions:

• All older adults with hearing impairment should undergo screening for auditory processing difficulties.
• The Screening Checklist for Auditory Processing for Adults is a valuable tool for this purpose.
• Screening facilitates customized management plans for older adults with bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss.