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Self-reported hearing difficulty and audiometric thresholds in nursing home residents
S K Voeks1, C M Gallagher, E H Langer
1Wisconsin Veterans Home, King 54946.
The Journal of Family Practice
|January 1, 1993
Summary
A simple hearing questionnaire can identify nursing home residents with hearing impairment. Specific questions about hearing in groups, on the phone, or watching TV are more effective than a general hearing question.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nursing home admissions involve assessing resident health and function.
- Hearing status is often assessed via self-report due to lack of routine audiometric screening.
- Identifying hearing impairment is crucial for resident well-being and care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine which hearing-related questions are most strongly associated with moderate to severe hearing impairment in nursing home residents.
- To compare the effectiveness of specific hearing questions versus a general question.
Main Methods:
- 198 newly admitted nursing home residents participated.
- Residents answered questions about hearing in various common situations.
- Audiometric assessment was performed to objectively measure hearing levels.
Main Results:
- 54% of residents exhibited hearing impairment (pure tone average > 25 dB).
- A single general hearing question had 69% sensitivity.
- Three specific questions (group, TV, phone) collectively achieved 83% sensitivity.
- The specific questions were significantly more effective (P = .003).
Conclusions:
- A set of specific hearing questions significantly enhances the identification of hearing loss in nursing home residents.
- This approach is more effective than using a single general hearing question.
- Improved identification aids in addressing hearing loss impacts on daily living activities.