Hearing Loss and Communicating with Senior

Citizens

Hearing Loss Statistics• Hearing loss is the third most prevalent

chronic condition in older Americans, after hypertension and arthritis.

• 66% of the population aged 65 years or older is hearing impaired.

• 3/4 of people over age 75, and 90% of people in supported living facilities, have significant hearing impairment.

Statistics Continued

In addition, the impact of hearing loss on society will increase not only because the population is aging, but also because the prevalence of age-adjusted to hearing loss has increased significantly since the 1960’s.

Emotions of Hearing Loss• Hearing loss in older patients strongly correlates

with depression.• Anger - Paranoia• Social Isolation• Poor Self-Esteem• Functional Disability• Despite the prevalence and burden of hearing loss,

hearing impairment is under diagnosed in older persons.

Hearing Loss Not Being Treated

• Only 9% of internists offer hearing testing to patients aged 65 years or older. Hearing loss also is under treated; only 25% of patients with aidable hearing loss receive hearing aids.

• This is discouraging, because strong evidence supports that the treatment of hearing loss improves quality of life.

Physiology of Hearing Loss

• The ear is particularly sensitive to signals between 500 and 4000 Hz, which includes the frequencies most important for speech processing.

Complicating factors to Hearing Loss

• Loudness Sensitivity

• Sound Distortion

• Tinnitus

Possible Causes of Hearing Loss• Circulatory Disorders• Wax• Tumors• Otosclerosis• Ear infections• Metabolic Disorders• Effects of Medications• Family History• Work History

Communication Strategies

• Face-to-Face• Face into the light so listener can see well and

hear.• 3-6 foot distance maximum.• Do not speak loudly or over articulate.• Speak normally, thought perhaps a bit slower.• Be alert for the need to rephrase rather than repeat.

Communication Strategies Cont.

• Pocket Talker - looks like Walkman with earphones an mike.

• Loops - wire around room which can drive hearing aid telephone coil.

• Amplifier and earphones for television set.

• Amplifier for telephone.

Quickie Hearing Aid Course

• Offer to help person with their hearing aid.

• Take the opportunity to wipe aid of oils and wax.

• Check sound outlet for wax and clean if necessary.

• Turn aid all the way up - it should whistle.

• Block sound outlet - it should not whistle.

Course Cont.

• Change battery if needed - note shape of battery compartment and shape of battery. DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING!

• Encourage listener to visit physician or audiologist if problems are suspected.

• Routine hearing test on annual basis is the norm.• Hand-out on Dizziness.