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.

scholarly journals Hearing Screening for Residents in Long-Term Care Homes Who Live with Dementia: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Fiona Höbler ◽  
Katherine S. McGilton ◽  
Walter Wittich ◽  
Kate Dupuis ◽  
Marilyn Reed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care

Background: Hearing loss is highly prevalent in older adults, particularly among those living with dementia and residing in long-term care homes (LTCHs). Sensory declines can have deleterious effects on functioning and contribute to frailty, but the hearing needs of residents are often unrecognized or unaddressed. Objective: To identify valid and reliable screening measures that are effective for the identification of hearing loss and are suitable for use by nursing staff providing care to residents with dementia in LTCHs. Methods: Electronic databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and CINAHL) were searched using comprehensive search strategies, and a stepwise approach based on Arksey & O’Malley’s scoping review and appraisal process was followed. Results: There were 193 scientific papers included in the review. Pure-tone audiometry was the most frequently reported measure to test hearing in older adults living with dementia. However, measures including self- or other-reports and questionnaires, review of medical records, otoscopy, and the whisper test were found to be most suitable for use by nurses working with older adults living with dementia in LTCHs. Conclusion: Although frequently used, the suitability of pure-tone audiometry for use by nursing staff in LTCHs is limited, as standardized audiometry presents challenges for many residents, and specific training is needed to successfully adapt test administration procedures and interpret results. The whisper test was considered to be more suitable for use by staff in LTCH; however, it yields a limited characterization of hearing loss. There remains an urgent need to develop new approaches to screen hearing in LTCHs.

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.

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 Agreement on the use of sensory screening techniques by nurses for older adults with cognitive impairment in long-term care: a mixed-methods consensus approach

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e027803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Wittich ◽  
Jonathan Jarry ◽  
Fiona Höbler ◽  
Katherine S McGilton
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Vision Screening ◽  
Term Care

ObjectiveBased on two scoping reviews and two environmental scans, this study aimed at reaching consensus on the most suitable sensory screening tools for use by nurses working in long-term care homes, for the purpose of developing and validating a toolkit.SettingA mixed-methods consensus study was conducted through two rounds of virtual electronic suitability rankings, followed by one online discussion group to resolve remaining disagreements.ParticipantsA 12-member convenience panel of specialists from three countries with expertise in sensory and cognitive ageing provided the ranking data, of whom four participated in the online discussion.Outcome measuresAs part of a larger mixed-methods project, the consensus was used to rank 22 vision and 20 hearing screening tests for suitability, based on 10 categories from the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology questionnaire. Panellists were asked to score each test by category, and their responses were converted to z-scores, pooled and ranked. Outliers in assessment distribution were then returned to the individual team members to adjust scoring towards consensus.ResultsIn order of ranking, the top 4 vision screening tests werehand motion,counting fingers,confrontation visual fieldsand theHOT-V chart, whereas the top 4 hearing screening tests were theHearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly, theWhisper Test, theMeasure of Severity of Hearing Lossand theHyperacusis Questionnaire, respectively.ConclusionsThe final selection of vision screening tests relied on observable visual behaviours, such as visibility of tasks within the central or peripheral visual field, whereas three of the four hearing tests relied on subjective report. Next, feasibility will be tested by nurses using these tools in a long-term care setting with persons with various levels of cognitive impairment.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Recommendations for successful sensory screening in older adults with dementia in long-term care: a qualitative environmental scan of Canadian specialists

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e019451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Wittich ◽  
Fiona Höbler ◽  
Jonathan Jarry ◽  
Katherine S McGilton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Environmental Scan

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify screening tools, technologies and strategies that vision and hearing care specialists recommend to front-line healthcare professionals for the screening of older adults in long-term care homes who have dementia.SettingAn environmental scan of healthcare professionals took place via telephone interviews between December 2015 and March 2016. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, proofed for accuracy, and their contents thematically analysed by two members of the research team.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 11 professionals from across Canada specialising in the fields of vision and hearing healthcare and technology for older adults with cognitive impairment were included in the study.Outcome measuresAs part of a larger mixed-methods project, this qualitative study used semistructured interviews and their subsequent content analysis.ResultsFollowing a two-step content analysis of interview data, coded citations were grouped into three main categories: (1) barriers, (2) facilitators and (3) tools and strategies that do or do not work for sensory screening of older adults with dementia. We report on the information offered by participants within each of these themes, along with a summary of tools and strategies that work for screening older adults with dementia.ConclusionsRecommendations from sensory specialists to nurses working in long-term care included the need for improved interprofessional communication and collaboration, as well as flexibility, additional time and strategic use of clinical intuition and ingenuity. These suggestions at times contradicted the realities of service provision or the need for standardised and validated measures.

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