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Hearing in hospitalised geriatric patients. A descriptive study
R L Jacobs1, W Pelemans, L Feenstra
1Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital St Rafael, KUL, Leuven, Belgium.
Acta Oto-Rhino-Laryngologica Belgica
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This study found that most elderly patients in a hospital geriatric ward have significant hearing loss. This hearing impairment impacts social interaction and daily life for the majority of older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hearing loss is a common condition in older adults.
- The impact of hearing impairment on quality of life in the elderly is significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the audiometric profiles of patients in a geriatric hospital ward.
- To determine the prevalence of socially handicapping hearing loss in this population.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive audiometric study was conducted.
- 394 patients from a geriatric department were evaluated.
- Hearing thresholds were assessed.
Main Results:
- The mean age of the patients was 82 years.
- No significant correlation was found between age and hearing thresholds.
- 86% of patients exhibited socially handicapping hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of hearing loss exists in hospitalized geriatric patients.
- Age alone is not a predictor of hearing loss severity in this group.
- Hearing impairment significantly affects the social functioning of elderly individuals.