Accommodating Dual Sensory Loss in Everyday Practice

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.

scholarly journals SCREENING FOR VISION AND HEARING LOSS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S120-S121
Author(s):  
Katherine McGilton ◽  
Fiona Höbler ◽  
Marilyn Reed ◽  
Tammy Labreche ◽  
M Kathleen Pichora-Fuller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Dual Sensory Loss

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.

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

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
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.

Prevalence of Individuals with Deafblindness and Age-Related Dual-Sensory Loss

2022 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110725
Author(s):  
Renu Minhas ◽  
Atul Jaiswal ◽  
Serena Chan ◽  
Jessica Trevisan ◽  
Abinethaa Paramasivam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Sensory Impairment ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
The World ◽  
Dual Sensory Loss ◽  
Dual Sensory Impairment

Introduction The authors of this paper have compiled a report on the prevalence of deafblindness and dual-sensory loss based on the review of existing estimates. The purpose is to inform readers of the importance of using consistent, well-researched definitions and survey questions in future prevalence studies. Methods Articles were extracted through ProQuest and EBSCOhost, online library databases of Cambrian College and Laurentian University. Keywords search included “deafblindness,” “dual-sensory impairment,” “dual-sensory loss,” “age-related,” “congenital,” “acquired,” and “prevalence.” Additionally, the authors conducted a search with Google for research reports and Google Scholar for other relevant peer-reviewed articles. Results This review provides a current overview of prevalence estimates of deafblindness and age-related dual-sensory loss around the world, examining 19 articles or reports published over the last 20 years (2000–2020) in 18 countries, including the European Union (consisting of 8 countries). In line with the prevalence estimates by the World Federation for the Deafblind global report 2018, the review indicates an estimated 0.2–2% prevalence of dual-sensory impairment and underscores varying ranges of prevalence among populations, studies or countries, age groups, and types of deafblindness. The review highlights that the prevalence of deafblindness or dual-sensory loss was often not comparable across studies, but it is clear that the prevalence of dual-sensory impairment increases with age. The studies varied in methods (e.g., population surveys, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies). Implication for practitioners The review provides evidence of varying ranges of prevalence rates. Future prevalence studies may benefit from consistent definitions, standard data-collection tools to do better comparisons across countries, and identify factors that predict higher or lower prevalence rates among populations and age groups.

scholarly journals Documentation of Dual Sensory Impairment in Electronic Medical Records

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittney Dullard ◽  
Gabrielle H. Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Electronic Medical Records ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Sensory Impairment ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sensory Impairments ◽  
Dual Sensory Impairment

Abstract Purpose of the Study: To examine the documentation of sensory impairment in the electronic medical records (EMRs) of Veterans with both hearing and vision losses (dual sensory impairment [DSI]). Design and Methods: A retrospective chart review of the EMRs of 20 patients with DSI was conducted. Providers’ documentation of the presence of sensory impairment, the use of assistive technology during clinical appointments, and the content of notes mentioning communication issues were extracted from each chart note in the EMR for the prior 6 years. Results: Primary care providers documented DSI in 50% of EMRs, vision loss alone in 40%, and hearing loss alone in 10% of EMRs. Audiologists documented vision loss in 50% of cases, whereas ophthalmologists/optometrists documented hearing loss in 15% of cases. Examination of two selected cases illustrates that care can be compromised when providers do not take note of sensory impairments during planning and provision of clinical care. Implications: Sensory impairment is poorly documented by most providers in EMRs. This is alarming because vision and hearing affect patient–physician communication and the use of medical interventions. The results of this study raise awareness about the need to document the presence of sensory impairments and use the information when planning treatment for individuals with DSI.

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

2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40 ◽  
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.

Current Approaches to the Management of Usher Syndrome for the Clinician

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 907-916
Author(s):  
Alaa Koleilat ◽  
Lisa A. Schimmenti ◽  
Gayla L. Poling
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Usher Syndrome ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Pediatric Populations ◽  
New Treatments

Purpose More than 460 million people suffer from disabling hearing loss worldwide, and about 50%–60% of hearing loss in infants are due to genetics. Usher syndrome is a genetic condition in which children are born deaf or hard of hearing and subsequently develop retinitis pigmentosa. It is the most common cause of deafness and blindness in pediatric populations, and pathogenic variants in 10 different genes are shown to be causative. The purpose of this review article is to advance the understanding of the clinical symptoms of an individual with Usher syndrome and highlight the latest research in the development of new treatments including gene therapy. The care and management of individuals with Usher syndrome require a team of multidisciplinary health care professionals, including an audiologist, a speech-language pathologist, an ophthalmologist, and a medical geneticist. We highlight the importance of early identification for better speech and developmental outcomes, specifically in pediatric individuals. Conclusion This review empowers audiologists to be aware of early signs of Usher syndrome as they are typically the first point of contact and provides important information for audiologists and other health care professionals involved in the care of individuals with hearing loss and vision loss.

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

2019 ◽  
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.

Near Vision but not Hearing Loss is Associated with Lacking a Usual Source of Health Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110143
Author(s):  
Adam Simning ◽  
Thomas V. Caprio ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Yeates Conwell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Near Vision ◽  
Environmental Covariates ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Usual Source

Objectives: Sensory loss may be a barrier to accessing healthcare services, and this study seeks to examine the association of sensory loss with whether older adults report having a usual source of health care. Methods: Our study included 7548 older adults who participated in the National Health and Aging Trends Study in 2015. Having a self-reported usual source of health care was our outcome, and hearing and vision loss were our primary independent variables. Results: In multivariate analysis accounting for demographics, socioeconomic, health status, and environmental covariates, near vision loss but not distance vision or hearing loss was associated with decreased odds of having a usual source of health care. Discussion: That older adults with near vision loss were less likely to report having a usual source of health care is concerning. Examining barriers to care is needed to identify sensory loss-relevant processes to optimize and intervene upon.

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