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Managing hearing loss in a patient with Alzheimer disease
C V Palmer1, S W Adams, J D Durrant
1Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|September 11, 1998
Summary
This case study addresses hearing loss management in Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. It details adapted hearing aid fitting strategies and novel measurements for this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Alzheimer disease (AD) significantly impacts daily living, often co-occurring with hearing loss.
- Limited research exists on managing hearing loss in individuals with AD, especially in home settings.
- Spouse caregivers play a crucial role in managing AD patient care.
Observation:
- A case study focused on a home-dwelling patient with Alzheimer disease and hearing loss.
- The study observed the challenges in evaluating and fitting hearing aids for individuals with cognitive impairment.
- Interaction between AD symptoms and hearing loss was a key focus.
Findings:
- Modified audiological evaluation and hearing aid verification techniques are necessary for AD patients.
- Novel measurement techniques were employed to document treatment impact.
- Successful hearing aid fitting requires adapting standard protocols.
Implications:
- Findings suggest a need for specialized audiological care pathways for Alzheimer disease patients.
- Improved hearing management can enhance the quality of life for AD patients and their caregivers.
- This case provides a framework for future research on hearing loss remediation in dementia populations.