Associations of Hearing Loss and Dual Sensory Loss With Mortality

Abstract Sensory loss accounts for one of the most common chronic conditions among older adults, with hearing loss affecting half of adults aged over 65 years and vision loss almost one fifth of those aged 70 years and over. Together, dual sensory loss is found to be most prevalent in older adults with dementia. The highest prevalence is found in long-term care (LTC) settings. For this reason, we conducted a multi-stage study to identify the most effective vision and hearing screening tools for use with older adults living with dementia and to evaluate their feasibility of use by nurses working in LTC. We first conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, and supplemented this with an environmental scan of healthcare professionals and sensory specialists working with older adults who have dementia. Following this extensive review and consultative decision-making process, a package of vision and hearing screening tools was selected for use by nurses working in LTC. On-site training was provided by two experienced audiologists and optometrists, after which the feasibility of sensory screening by three nurses of 17 residents under their care was evaluated. We report on the six measures of hearing and seven measures of vision that were piloted for screening of older adults with dementia living in LTC, and on the findings for their feasibility of use by nurses working in this setting. Recommendations regarding the feasibility and reliability of screening for vision and hearing loss in older adults with dementia are discussed.

Download Full-text

The Prevalence of Hearing, Vision, and Dual Sensory Loss in Older Canadians: An Analysis of Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement ◽

10.1017/s0714980820000070 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-22 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paul Thomas Mick ◽

Anni Hämäläinen ◽

Lebo Kolisang ◽

M. Kathleen Pichora-Fuller ◽

Natalie Phillips ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Canadian Population ◽

Dual Sensory Loss ◽

Impairment Severity

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), vision loss (VL), and dual sensory loss (DSL) in Canadians 45–85 years of age. Audiometry and visual acuity were measured. Various levels of impairment severity were described. Results were extrapolated to the 2016 Canadian population. In 2016, 1,500,000 Canadian males 45–85 years of age had at least mild HL, 1,800,000 had at least mild VL, and 570,000 had DSL. Among females, 1,200,000 had at least mild HL, 2,200,000 had at least mild VL, and 450,000 had DSL. Among Canadians 45–85 years of age, mild, moderate, and severe HL was prevalent among 13.4 per cent, 3.7 per cent, and 0.4 per cent of males, and among 11.3 per cent, 2.3 per cent, and 0.2 per cent of females, respectively. Mild and moderate, or severe VL was prevalent among 19.8 per cent and 2.4 per cent of males, and among 23.9 per cent and 2.6 per cent of females, respectively. At least mild DSL was prevalent among 6.4 per cent of males and 6.1 per cent of females.

Download Full-text

Accommodating Dual Sensory Loss in Everyday Practice

Perspectives on Gerontology ◽

10.1044/gero19.1.04 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 4-16

Author(s):

Katharina V. Echt ◽

Gabrielle H. Saunders

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Older People ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Sensory Impairment ◽

Health Care Settings ◽

Speech Language Pathologist ◽

Dual Sensory Loss ◽

Dual Sensory Impairment

Dual sensory impairment is increasingly prevalent in people over age 65. The combination of vision loss and hearing loss impacts not only day-to-day function from the perspective of the patient, but must also be considered by the speech-language pathologist working with older people in health care settings. This article will discuss the implications of dual sensory impairment for both patients and professionals, and will provide strategies to support communication.

Download Full-text

Dual sensory loss: A major age-related increase of comorbid hearing loss and hearing aid ownership in visually impaired adults

Geriatrics and Gerontology International ◽

10.1111/ggi.12136 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 570-576 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Hilde L Vreeken ◽

Ger HMB van Rens ◽

Dirk L Knol ◽

Nadja A van Reijen ◽

Sophia E Kramer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Visually Impaired ◽

Hearing Aid ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Age Related ◽

Dual Sensory Loss ◽

Related Increase

Download Full-text

Impact of sight and hearing loss in patients with Norrie disease: advantages of Dual Sensory clinics in patient care

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000781 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. e000781

Author(s):

Jane C Sowden ◽

Corné J Kros ◽

Tony Sirimanna ◽

Waheeda Pagarkar ◽

Ngozi Oluonye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Clinical Environment ◽

Norrie Disease ◽

Seizure Disorders ◽

Routine Monitoring ◽

Dual Sensory Loss ◽

Clinical Environments ◽

Neurological Features ◽

The Impact

Norrie disease (ND) is a rare, X-linked condition of visual and auditory impairment, often presenting with additional neurological features and developmental delays of varying severity. While all affected patients are born blind, or lose their vision in infancy, progressive sensorineural hearing loss develops in the majority of cases and is typically detected in the second decade of life. A range of additional symptoms of ND, such as seizure disorders, typically appear from a young age, but it is difficult to predict the range of symptoms ND patients will experience. After growing up without vision, hearing loss represents the greatest worry for many patients with ND, as they may lose the ability to participate in previously enjoyed activities or to communicate with others.Dual sensory loss has a physical, psychosocial and financial impact on both patients with ND and their families. Routine monitoring of the condition is required in order to identify, treat and provide support for emerging health problems, leading to a large burden of medical appointments. Many patients need to travel long distances to meet with specialists, representing a further burden on time and finances. Additionally, the rare nature of dual sensory impairment in children means that few clinical environments are designed to meet their needs. Dual Sensory clinics are multidisciplinary environments designed for sensory-impaired children and have been suggested to alleviate the impact of diseases involving sensory loss such as ND.Here, we discuss the diagnosis, monitoring and management of ND and the impact it has on paediatric patients and their caregivers. We describe the potential for dual sensory clinics to reduce disease burden through providing an appropriate clinical environment, access to multiple clinical experts in one visit, and ease of monitoring for patients with ND.

Download Full-text

Vision and Hearing Loss in Older Adults: “Double Trouble”

Care Management Journals ◽

10.1891/cmaj.5.1.35.61260 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 35-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Paige Berry ◽

John Mascia ◽

Bernard A. Steinman

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Vision Loss ◽

The Elderly ◽

The United States ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Older Individuals ◽

The People ◽

Common Causes ◽

Functional Implications ◽

Dual Sensory Loss

Recent studies indicate that by age seventy, 21% of the people living in the United States have both vision and hearing loss. Dual sensory loss in the elderly has a significant effect on an individual’s ability to socialize, communicate with others, and live independently. This article addresses the issues faced by older individuals who are hard of hearing and blind or visually impaired. Common causes and behavioral signs of hearing and vision loss are discussed. An emphasis is placed on the functional implications of the dual sensory impairment and possible accommodations and communication strategies are outlined.

Download Full-text

The prevalence of hearing and vision loss in older Canadians: An analysis of Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

10.31234/osf.io/v7kr5 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Paul Mick ◽

Anni Hämäläinen ◽

Lebo Kolisang ◽

M Kathleen Pichora-Fuller ◽

Natalie Phillips ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Dual Sensory Loss

Objective: To describe the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), vision loss (VL) and dual sensory loss (DSL) in Canadians aged 45-85. Methods: Data from the first wave of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were used. Audiometry and visual acuity were measured. Prevalence proportions for 2012-2015 and counts for 2011 and 2016 were estimated.Results: In 2016, 1.5 million Canadian males aged 45-85 had HL, 1.8 million had VL, and 570,000 had DSL. Among females, 1.2 million had HL, 2.2 million had VL, and 450,000 had DSL. Prevalence counts increased 8.7-16.9% between 2011 and 2016. Prevalence proportions increased with age but decreased exponentially with severity of impairment. Males were more likely to have HL and DSL; VL was more common in females.Conclusion: HL, VL and DSL are highly prevalent among older Canadian adults.

Download Full-text