Communicating with assistive listening devices and age-related hearing loss: Perceptions of older Australians

Abstract

Age-related hearing loss can impact adversely on the delivery of primary care and cannot necessarily be remedied by hearing aid technology. A study of 20 older Australians living in a Queensland retirement village and residential hostel complex was undertaken to investigate how communication might be advanced through an assistive listening device (ALD). Most participants were women aged over 85 years; almost all had hearing loss and wore hearing aids. Tests with an ALD found very high levels of satisfaction with understanding speech and sound quality amongst participants. However, few had heard previously of ALDs, all required individualised assistance to fit and use the device and rated ease of use less highly. The findings affirm those of previous studies that ALD technology has a role in communication for older hearing impaired people and for hearing rehabilitation. Its potential to enhance quality of life can be facilitated and promoted through nursing practice, but requires professional and consumer education so that it is not overlooked as a communication option.

An ethnography study exploring factors that influence social isolation in care home residents living with dementia and hearing loss

“…It is likely that these individuals do not feel part of a social group within the home and have no reference of “us” and “we” (according to the social identity approach for health and wellbeing) because their communication difficulties isolate them. The limited training of care home staff, ineffective communication [ 72 ], and general lack of time and opportunity for engaging with residents [ 42 ], means it is often easier for residents to withdraw to their rooms or prioritise non-socially engaging activities such as reading rather than join social activities [ 24 ]. The extra effort and ‘work’ required to communicate effectively with people living with hearing loss can result in avoidance of conversation or minimal contact [ 73 ].…”

Are smartphone applications (App) useful to improve hearing?

“…This study is the first to attempt to validate a Smartphone App as a hearing aid and objectively assess the benefits obtained in order to establish the target groups that could make use of this technology. Though the use of smartphone-connected hearing aid is increasing due to the wide possibility of customising hearing aid amplification in different situations 9 , 10 , few studies consider its use specifically for hearing improvement. Moreover, these studies just consider the users’ satisfaction without taking into account the auditory gain 11 .…”

Optimising hearing services for adults living with dementia and hearing impairment in residential aged care facilities

“…Recently, several studies have evaluated ALDs for adults living with dementia in RACFs, exploring their utility as a potential aid for improving cognition (Hopper et al, 2016;Jupiter, 2016) as well as residents' perception of the devices (Aberdeen & Fereiro, 2014). Hopper et al (2016) (Aberdeen & Fereiro, 2014;Hopper et al, 2016;Jupiter, 2016).…”

“…Recently, several studies have evaluated ALDs for adults living with dementia in RACFs, exploring their utility as a potential aid for improving cognition (Hopper et al, 2016;Jupiter, 2016) as well as residents' perception of the devices (Aberdeen & Fereiro, 2014). Hopper et al (2016) (Aberdeen & Fereiro, 2014;Hopper et al, 2016;Jupiter, 2016). However, all research groups highlighted that ALDs are an option for managing hearing impairment and should be used in conjunction with education regarding device use (Aberdeen & Fereiro, 2014) and communication training programs for residents and caregivers (Hopper et al, 2016;Jupiter, 2016…”

“…Hopper et al (2016) (Aberdeen & Fereiro, 2014;Hopper et al, 2016;Jupiter, 2016). However, all research groups highlighted that ALDs are an option for managing hearing impairment and should be used in conjunction with education regarding device use (Aberdeen & Fereiro, 2014) and communication training programs for residents and caregivers (Hopper et al, 2016;Jupiter, 2016…”