scholarly journals Evaluation of the efficacy of hearing aids in older adults: a multiparametric longitudinal study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Cuda ◽  
Sara Ghiselli ◽  
Alessandra Murri
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Its estimated prevalence is 40–50 % in people over 75 years of age. Recent studies agree that declinein hearing threshold contribute to deterioration in sociality, sensitivity, cognition, and quality of life for elderly subjects. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to verify whether or not rehabilitation using first time applied Hearing Aids (HA) in a cohort of old people with hearing impairment improves both speech perception in a noisy environment over time and the overall health-related quality of life. Methods The monocentric, prospective, repeated measurements, single-subject, clinical observational study is to recruit 100 older adults, first-time HA recipients (≥ 65 years).The evaluation protocol is designed to analyze changes in specific measurement tools a year after the first HA usage in comparison with the evaluation before HA fitting. Evaluations will consist of multiparametric details collected through self-report questionnaires completed by the recipients and a series of commonly used audiometric measures and geriatric assessment tools. The primary indicator of changes in speech perception in noise to be used is the Italian version of Oldenburg Satz (OLSA) test whereas the indicator of changes in overall quality of life will be the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaires. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will help in screening the cognitive state of the subjects. Discussion The protocol is designed to make use of measurement tools that have already been applied to the hearing-impaired population in order to compare the effects of HA rehabilitation in the older adults immediately before first HA usage (Pre) and after 1 year of experience (Post). This broad approach will lead to a greater understanding of how useful hearing influences the quality of life in older individuals, and therefore improves potentials for healthy aging. The data is to be analyzed by using an intrasubject endpoint comparison. Outcomes will be described and analyzed in detail. Trial registration This research was retrospectively registered underno. NCT04333043at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) on the 26 March 2020. This research has been registered with the Ethics Committee of the Area Vasta Emilia Nord under number 104, date of approval 17/07/2017.

Tinnitus Impact: Three Different Measurement Tools

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
pp. 181-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D. Bauch ◽  
Susan G. Lynn ◽  
Donald E. Williams ◽  
Michael W. Mellon ◽  
Amy L. Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Symptom Checklist ◽  
Tinnitus Handicap Inventory ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Medical Population ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

The impact of tinnitus and overall levels of distress were measured with three assessment tools for patients with tinnitus. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and an activities limitations questionnaire were administered to 53 audiology patients reporting tinnitus. Forty-three percent of these patients experienced either quality of life reductions associated with tinnitus, substantial perceived handicap, and/or a high level of distress. Results from the General Severity Index (GSI) of the SCL-90-R indicated that 25% of these patients displayed distress greater than that of the general medical population. The SCL-90-R can be a useful tool for audiologists working with tinnitus patients in assessing needs for referral for psychological or psychiatric counseling.

scholarly journals Cross Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Nigerian (Igbo) Version of the Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35): a Validation Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ukamaka Gloria Mgbeojedo ◽  
Christopher Olusanjo Akosile ◽  
Chisom Cassandra Ekigbo ◽  
Emmanuel Chiebuka Okoye ◽  
Echezona Nelson Ekechukwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Quality of life (QoL) has been revealed to determine an older adult’s assessment of successful and active ageing; and to evaluate various range of health and social care interventions. Most QoL assessment tools were developed for use in developed countries. This may not be suitable for developing nations such as Nigeria. There is need for availability of culture- and environment- specific tools for assessment of QoL. This study was therefore designed to cross-culturally adapt the OPQOL-35 into Igbo language, and determine its reliability and validity. Methods The original English OPQOL-35 (E-OPQOL-35) was translated into Igbo language, synthesized, back translated, and subsequently subjected to expert panel review, pre-testing and cognitive debriefing interview, following the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ guideline. The final Igbo version (I-OPQOL-35) was tested for internal consistency, concurrent and structural validities in a cross-sectional study of 115 consenting apparently healthy older adults (54.8% females) that were recruited from conveniently selected local government areas in Enugu State, at 0.05 level of significance. Results The OPQOL-35 was cross-culturally adapted to Igbo with all its 35 items retained. The Spearman correlation coefficients between the participants’ domain and total scores on the I-OPQOL-35 and E-OPQOL-35 (rho = 0.92-1.00) were excellent. The Mann Whitney-U test revealed no significant difference between corresponding scores in the E-OPQOL-35 and I-OPQOL-35 (p = 0.65-0.94). The internal consistency coefficient of the I-OPQOL-35 was 0.78. Conclusions The I-OPQOL-35 is therefore a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of QoL among Igbo older adults in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Nutrition in Cancer Therapy in the Elderly—An Epigenetic Connection?

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3366
Author(s):  
Janusz Blasiak ◽  
Jan Chojnacki ◽  
Elzbieta Pawlowska ◽  
Joanna Szczepanska ◽  
Cezary Chojnacki
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Continuous Increase ◽  
Epigenetic Profile

The continuous increase in life expectancy results in a steady increase of cancer risk, which consequently increases the population of older adults with cancer. Older adults have their age-related nutritional needs and often suffer from comorbidities that may affect cancer therapy. They frequently are malnourished and present advanced-stage cancer. Therefore, this group of patients requires a special multidisciplinary approach to optimize their therapy and increase quality of life impaired by aging, cancer, and the side effects of therapy. Evaluation strategies, taking advantage of comprehensive geriatric assessment tools, including the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), can help individualize treatment. As epigenetics, an emerging element of the regulation of gene expression, is involved in both aging and cancer and the epigenetic profile can be modulated by the diet, it seems to be a candidate to assist with planning a nutritional intervention in elderly populations with cancer. In this review, we present problems associated with the diet and nutrition in the elderly undergoing active cancer therapy and provide some information on epigenetic aspects of aging and cancer transformation. Nutritional interventions modulating the epigenetic profile, including caloric restriction and basal diet with modifications (elimination diet, supplementary diet) are discussed as the ways to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy and maintain the quality of life of older adults with cancer.

scholarly journals Nonpharmacological Interventions for Anxiety and Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. e731-e742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Brown Wilson ◽  
Lars Arendt ◽  
Mynhi Nguyen ◽  
Theresa L Scott ◽  
Christine C Neville ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Cochrane Reviews ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Major Mental Disorder

Abstract Anxiety is a major mental disorder in later life that impacts on activities of daily living and quality of life for adults living with dementia in nursing homes. The aim of this article was to systematically review nonpharmacological interventions for older adults living in nursing homes who experience comorbid anxiety and dementia. Method A systematic literature search was conducted across key databases (Cinahl, ASSIA, Cochrane reviews and trials, psycARTICLES, psycINFO, and PubMed) to identify studies measuring anxiety as an outcome for an intervention for older adults living with dementia in nursing homes, up to December 31, 2017. Results The search yielded a total of 1,925 articles with 45 articles accessed for full article review. A total of 13 articles were included in this review following quality appraisal based on Cochrane methodology with six different anxiety measures used. The studies included were moderate to high-quality randomized control trials although heterogeneity precluded a combined meta-analysis. Clinical implications The most common interventions used to address anxiety in this population were music therapy and activity-based interventions although there was limited evidence for the efficacy of either intervention. Little is known about effective nonpharmacological treatment for anxiety for people living with dementia in nursing homes. Further research using consistent measurement tools and time points is required to identify effective interventions to improve the quality of life for people living with both dementia and anxiety in nursing homes.

scholarly journals Multiple Myeloma in the Older Adult: Better Prospects, More Challenges

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (24) ◽  
pp. 2531-2540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya M. Wildes ◽  
Ashley Rosko ◽  
Sascha A. Tuchman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Disease Response

Purpose Multiple myeloma (MM) is disproportionately diagnosed in older adults; with the aging of the population, the number of older adults diagnosed with MM will increase by nearly 80% in the next two decades. Duration of survival has improved dramatically over the last 20 years, but the improvements in older adults have not been as great as those in younger adults with MM. Methods In this article, we address treatment approaches in older adults who are eligible for and those ineligible for high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation as well as supportive care considerations and the potential role for geriatric assessment in facilitating decision making for older adults with MM. Results The evidence from recent studies demonstrates that combinations of novel and conventional antimyeloma agents result in improved response rates and, in some cases, improved progression-free and overall survival. However, some older adults are particularly vulnerable to toxicities of therapy and discontinuation of therapy and, consequently, they have poorer survival. In addition, older adults may prioritize other outcomes of therapy, such as quality of life, over more conventional end points such as disease response and duration of survival. Geriatric assessment can facilitate risk-stratification of older adults at greater risk for adverse events from therapy and aid in personalizing therapy for vulnerable or frail older adults. Conclusion Survival in older adults with MM is improving with novel therapeutics, but efficacy must be balanced with risk of toxicity of therapy and maintenance of quality of life. Novel instruments such as geriatric assessment tools may facilitate these aims.

scholarly journals Treatment for Hearing Loss among the Elderly: Auditory Outcomes and Impact on Quality of Life

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Manrique-Huarte ◽  
Diego Calavia ◽  
Alicia Huarte Irujo ◽  
Laura Girón ◽  
Manuel Manrique-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Profound Hearing Loss ◽  
Disyllabic Words ◽  
Anxiety Depression

The study aim was to determine the benefit of cochlear implantation and hearing aids in older adults diagnosed with hearing loss and to evaluate the index of depression, anxiety and quality of life after such treatments. A retrospective cohort comprised 117 patients older than 65 years and diagnosed with moderate to profound hearing loss who were included and classified into 2 groups (treated vs. non-treated). A battery of tests including auditory (pure-tone average, disyllabic words in quiet at 65 dB SPL) and findings from a series of questions relevant to quality of life were compared between both groups. Auditory outcomes for disyllabic words were 58.21% for the cochlear implant-treated group and 82.8% for the hearing aid-treated group. There was a positive effect on anxiety, depression, health status and quality of life in the cochlear implant group versus the profound hearing loss control group. We conclude that older adults with moderate to profound hearing loss gain benefit from hearing aids or cochlear implants not only in terms of improved hearing function, but also in terms of positive effects on anxiety, depression, health status and quality of life.

Study measures impact of hearing aids plus FM on the quality of life in older adults

2003 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Samantha Lewis ◽  
Carl C. Crandell ◽  
Michael Valente ◽  
Jane Enrietto ◽  
Nicole V. Kreisman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Aids

scholarly journals Caring for Persons With Dementia in Audiology

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 86-86
Author(s):  
Marilyn Reed
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Rehabilitation ◽  
Hearing Aid Use

Abstract While hearing loss is highly prevalent among patients with dementia, it frequently goes unidentified and unmanaged. It has been a commonly-held belief that older adults with dementia are unable to benefit from hearing rehabilitation, but recent evidence shows that many individuals with dementia can successfully use amplification, helping to improve communication, social interaction and quality of life for these individuals and their caregivers. This presentation will describe how modifications to practice led to successful outcomes for the majority of patients of a geriatric audiology clinic with co-morbid hearing loss and cognitive impairment. In a study of hearing aid use in 67 patients with these comorbidities, over 90% used hearing aids successfully with measurable benefit for both patients and caregivers. Furthermore, we will discuss approaches to improving communication for LTC residents with dementia and hearing loss through the support of audiologists during remote visits with physicians and families during the pandemic.

scholarly journals The Effect of Hearing Aid Use on Cognition in Older Adults: Can We Delay Decline or Even Improve Cognitive Function?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Sarant ◽  
David Harris ◽  
Peter Busby ◽  
Paul Maruff ◽  
Adrian Schembri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Hearing Aid Use

Hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for dementia in older adults. Whether hearing aid use can delay the onset of cognitive decline is unknown. Participants in this study (aged 62–82 years) were assessed before and 18 months after hearing aid fitting on hearing, cognitive function, speech perception, quality of life, physical activity, loneliness, isolation, mood, and medical health. At baseline, multiple linear regression showed hearing loss and age predicted significantly poorer executive function performance, while tertiary education predicted significantly higher executive function and visual learning performance. At 18 months after hearing aid fitting, speech perception in quiet, self-reported listening disability and quality of life had significantly improved. Group mean scores across the cognitive test battery showed no significant decline, and executive function significantly improved. Reliable Change Index scores also showed either clinically significant improvement or stability in executive function for 97.3% of participants, and for females for working memory, visual attention and visual learning. Relative stability and clinically and statistically significant improvement in cognition were seen in this participant group after 18 months of hearing aid use, suggesting that treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids may delay cognitive decline. Given the small sample size, further follow up is required.

scholarly journals Knowledge translation resources to support the use of quality of life assessment tools for the care of older adults living at home and their family caregivers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Schick-Makaroff ◽  
Richard Sawatzky ◽  
Lena Cuthbertson ◽  
Joakim Öhlén ◽  
Autumn Beemer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Purpose To support the use of quality of life (QOL) assessment tools for older adults, we developed knowledge translation (KT) resources tailored for four audiences: (1) older adults and their family caregivers (micro), (2) healthcare providers (micro), (3) healthcare managers and leaders (meso), and (4) government leaders and decision-makers (macro). Our objectives were to (1) describe knowledge gaps and resources and (2) develop corresponding tailored KT resources to support use of QOL assessment tools by each of the micro-, meso-, and macro-audiences. Methods Data were collected in two phases through semi-structured interviews/focus groups with the four audiences in Canada. Data were analyzed using qualitative description analysis. KT resources were iteratively refined through formative evaluation. Results Older adults and family caregivers (N = 12) wanted basic knowledge about what “QOL assessment” meant and how it could improve their care. Healthcare providers (N = 13) needed practical solutions on how to integrate QOL assessment tools in their practice. Healthcare managers and leaders (N = 14) desired information about using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) in healthcare programs and quality improvement. Government leaders and decision-makers (N = 11) needed to know how to access, use, and interpret PROM and PREM information for decision-making purposes. Based on these insights and evidence-based sources, we developed KT resources to introduce QOL assessment through 8 infographic brochures, 1 whiteboard animation, 1 live-action video, and a webpage. Conclusion Our study affirms the need to tailor KT resources on QOL assessment for different audiences. Our KT resources are available: www.healthyqol.com/older-adults.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document