[HEARINGtogether study: Hearing ability and hearing-related care situation in care homes in Hanover]

Hearing means social participation. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. The aim of this project was to assess the current hearing situation in nursing homes and to identify problems in the provision of care.Pure tone and speech audiograms were measured in 74 residents in four different nursing homes in the greater Hanover area and questionnaires on the hearing aid care situation were carried out with 97 residents.Of all audiograms measured, 75% showed a hearing loss requiring hearing aids, which was often inadequately cared for. Residents often stated that they could hear well subjectively, but at the same time mentioned many situations in which they would have liked to hear better. Existing hearing aids were often worn not regularly or even not at all. Those who are affected by hearing loss wished for help in using their devices.In an ageing society, a growing burden on care facilities is to be expected. Hearing loss is an omnipresent issue here, for which more awareness must be created in order to ensure adequate hearing care. Furthermore, hearing loss means challenged communication and therefore can deteriorate the care of patients.