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Gallagher TJ, Jamal M, Choi JS. Association of Hearing Loss Onset and Etiology with Psychosocial Outcomes Among US Older Adults. Laryngoscope 2024. [PMID: 39031687 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understand the differential association of onset and etiology of hearing loss with psychosocial outcomes among older adults. METHODS This is a cross-sectional cohort study based on 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Adults aged ≥70 years who completed audiometric testing and questionnaires on onset and etiologies of hearing loss were included (n = 612). Outcomes included report of social avoidance and major depressive disorder (MDD, PHQ-9). Multivariable regression was utilized to examine differential associations of onset and etiology of hearing loss on psychosocial outcomes while adjusting for relevant factors. RESULTS In this nationally representative sample of US older adults with hearing loss, 20.8% [95%CI: 14.5-29.0%] reported social avoidance due to hearing loss and 7.2% [95%CI: 4.3-11.8] reported symptoms suggestive of MDD. Multivariable regression demonstrated self-reported onset of hearing loss between ages 6-19 years (OR:2.49 [95%CI: 1.52-4.10]) and 20-59 years (OR:1.95 [95%CI: 1.07-3.55]) was associated with higher avoidance of social interaction than reported onset at ≥70 years. Those with onset between 20-59 years (OR:4.28 [95%CI: 1.17-15.6]) and 60-69 years (OR:5.68 [95%CI: 1.85-17.5]) were more likely to report symptoms consistent with MDD than those with onset at ≥70. Multivariable regression did not demonstrate increased risk of avoiding social interactions or MDD due to hearing loss from noise exposure, ear infection, or ear disease versus aging alone. CONCLUSION There was an association between earlier hearing loss onset with social avoidance and MDD. This suggests a need for research to investigate the impact of earlier diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss on psychosocial outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b Laryngoscope, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Gallagher
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Malaika Jamal
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Janet S Choi
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
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Smith SK, Pryce H, O'Connell GB, Hussain S, Shaw R, Straus J. 'The burden is very much on yourself': A qualitative study to understand the illness and treatment burden of hearing loss across the life course. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14067. [PMID: 38715316 PMCID: PMC11076985 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hearing loss is a chronic health condition that rises sharply with age. The way people respond to and cope with health conditions is influenced by their capacity to perform illness and treatment-related work. The aim was to explore the cumulative burdens of living with hearing loss and the resources mobilised to ease the burdens. METHODS A qualitative design was used with semi-structured interviews (online or in-person) with participants recruited through audiology services and nonclinical services, such as lip-reading classes. Forty-six participants with hearing loss aged between 16 and 96 years were interviewed. An abductive approach, informed by May et al.'s burden of treatment theory, was used to analyse the data. RESULTS The illness burden involved participants working to make sense of their hearing loss, engaging in emotional work in response to changes in sound, social interactions and identity and coping with the daily frustrations required to communicate with others. Abandonment and uncertainty characterised the treatment burden; participants engaged in emotional work to adjust to hearing technology and deal with the uncertainty of how their hearing might progress. To ameliorate the burdens, participants drew on internal resources (psychological, health literacy, cognitive) and external resources (social support, financial, information, technology). CONCLUSIONS The workload of hearing loss appears largely devolved to the patient and is not always visible. Our work indicates the need to widen approaches in audiological care through the implementation of lifeworld-led care, family-centred care and peer support to build support for those with hearing loss. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION We developed the project in consultation with members of the public who have lived experience of hearing loss recruited through Aston University and volunteer links to audiology services. We also consulted people more likely to be affected by hearing loss adults including adults with learning disabilities, older adults in residential care and people from South Asia (Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani communities). These individuals commented on the study aims, interview schedule and participant recruitment practices. One of our co-authors (expert by experience) contributed to the development and interpretation of themes and preparation of the final manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian K. Smith
- Department of Audiology, College of Health and Life SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamUK
| | - Helen Pryce
- Department of Audiology, College of Health and Life SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamUK
| | | | - Saira Hussain
- Department of Audiology, College of Health and Life SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamUK
| | - Rachel Shaw
- Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment and School of Psychology, College of Health and Life SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamUK
| | - Jean Straus
- Department of Audiology, College of Health and Life SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamUK
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Timmer BHB, Bennett RJ, Montano J, Hickson L, Weinstein B, Wild J, Ferguson M, Holman JA, LeBeau V, Dyre L. Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: clinical recommendations. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:381-392. [PMID: 36960799 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2190864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Best-practice in audiological rehabilitation takes a holistic client- and family-centred approach and considers hearing care in the context of personal well-being. Hearing loss not only impairs the ability to hear, but can also compromise the ability to communicate, thus negatively impacting both social and emotional well-being. Hearing care professionals play a key role in fostering their client's well-being. This paper aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to ensure inclusion of social-emotional well-being in audiologic rehabilitation clinical practice.Methods: A review of current research and expert opinion.Results: This guide proposes a 5-step plan which includes: identifying the client's social-emotional well-being; including family members in audiological rehabilitation; incorporating social-emotional needs and goals in an individualized management plan; relating identified hearing needs and goals to rehabilitation recommendations; and using counselling skills and techniques to explore and monitor social-emotional well-being. Each component of the 5-step plan is discussed and clinical considerations are presented.Conclusion: These comprehensive recommendations provide guidance to hearing care professionals looking to ensure clients' social-emotional well-being are considered throughout the rehabilitation journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbra H B Timmer
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Sonova AG, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca J Bennett
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- The Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Joseph Montano
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Louise Hickson
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | | | - Jane Wild
- Audiology Service, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wales, UK
| | - Melanie Ferguson
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Jack A Holman
- Hearing Sciences (Scottish Section), Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Valeri LeBeau
- Audiology Service, Advanced Bionics LLC, Valencia, USA
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McNeice Z, Tomlin D, Timmer BHB, Short CE, Galvin K. Adults' recollections of discussions with their audiologist: a qualitative study of what was and was not successfully communicated about listening difficulties. Int J Audiol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38739207 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2351033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Some adults experience challenges in successfully communicating their listening difficulties to their audiologist, and report feeling that they are not always listened to or understood. This project examined adults' recollections of discussions with their audiologist to explore (1) how adults report describing their listening difficulties and (2) information that adults report they do not communicate, or do not communicate successfully, to their audiologist. DESIGN Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts were analysed using a template analysis approach. STUDY SAMPLE Fifteen adults who self-report listening difficulties, and who had previously consulted an audiologist. RESULTS Four themes were identified from adults' recollections of how they describe their listening difficulties: (1) situation or context of listening difficulties, (2) behavioural responses, (3) impacts of listening difficulties and (4) contributing factors. Adults report not always successfully communicating (1) emotional concerns and impacts, (2) descriptions of sound quality and (3) descriptions of changed listening experiences. CONCLUSION Results provide insights about the times when adults feel that communication with their audiologist is successful, or unsuccessful. The results are useful for informing interventions to help adults and audiologists communicate more effectively together. To further inform interventions, factors affecting adults' communication should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe McNeice
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dani Tomlin
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Barbra H B Timmer
- Centre for Hearing Research (CHEAR), School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Sonova AG, Staefa, Switzerland
| | - Camille E Short
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karyn Galvin
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Bleckly F, Matthews N, Lo CY. Identity change of late-deafened adults after receiving cochlear implants. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:1463-1472. [PMID: 37074730 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2198565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this research was to understand how adults reconceptualise their identity when experiencing hearing loss as an adult, and how their identity might change with a cochlear implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using an online survey administered through cochlear implant social media groups, with follow-up semi-structured interviews, participants answered questions about their hearing loss and cochlear implant experiences. Forty-four people answered the survey and 16 participated in an in-depth interview. All were older than 18 years, once had heard, became deafened in adulthood and had at least one cochlear implant. RESULTS The decision to have a cochlear implant often meant acknowledging they were no longer a hearing person. After having an implant four themes emerged. (1) Some participants maintained a hearing identity through hearing loss and after cochlear implantation, while others returned to their hearing identity. (2) Others acknowledged a confused identity, neither deaf nor hearing. In unexpected findings, (3) during the progression of hearing loss, some participants had identified as hearing but could not hear, however after implantation, they became deaf people who could hear. (4) Furthermore, after implantation, some participants identified as disabled when they had not done so when less able to hear. CONCLUSION Given the prevalence of hearing loss in later life, it is important to understand the way these adults understand their identity through the progression of hearing loss and after becoming cochlear implant recipients. The belief people have of themselves impacts healthcare choices and affects their commitment to ongoing rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Bleckly
- Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole Matthews
- Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chi Yhun Lo
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Pan C, Cao N. Patterns of Social Isolation and Low Social Support and Frailty Trajectories Among Chinese Older Adults. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:2325-2334. [PMID: 37585676 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231194508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to identify patterns of social isolation and low social support, and discover their associations with frailty trajectories among Chinese older adults. Methods: The paper used five waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS, 2005-2018). The latent class analysis, multi-trajectory modeling, and the multinomial logistic regression approaches were used to perform the analysis. Results: The paper identified five types of social isolation and low social support, and three typical frailty trajectories. Patterns of social isolation and low social support were associated with frailty trajectories among older adults. Conclusions: Distinct patterns of social isolation and low social support were significantly correlated with frailty trajectories. To improve frailty trajectories among older adults, interventions such as Healthy China 2030 should prioritize addressing the interplay between social isolation and low social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoping Pan
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Na Cao
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
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Henshaw H, Calvert S, Heffernan E, Broome EE, Burgon C, Dening T, Fackrell K. New horizons in hearing conditions. Age Ageing 2023; 52:afad150. [PMID: 37604677 PMCID: PMC10442518 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis are highly prevalent in the population and can severely impact communication and quality of life. Hearing is affected by multiple factors, including heredity, noise exposure, age, sex, ear disorders and lifestyle factors. Globally, hearing loss affects over 80% of adults aged 80 years and older, is often experienced in combination with other long-term health conditions and is a mid-life risk factor for dementia. To form a themed collection, we searched Age and Ageing for articles on hearing conditions published from 2000 onwards. This resulted in 22 articles included within the collection. They examined a range of important topics related to hearing healthcare and research, including noise-induced hearing loss, health service quality and safety, psychological and psychosocial consequences of hearing loss and co-morbidities of hearing loss. All articles reported on hearing loss; there were no published articles with a primary focus on other hearing conditions such as tinnitus or hyperacusis, on the health of older people from the Deaf community or on users of Cochlear implants, suggesting key gaps in knowledge and targets for future research. This New Horizons article highlights novel directions in research and practice and takes a forward look at how research into hearing conditions may develop in years to come. It highlights opportunities for the growth of patient-centred research and hearing healthcare supported by the better integration of health and care services as well as cross-speciality working to include common co-morbid health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Henshaw
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Sian Calvert
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Eithne Heffernan
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Emma E Broome
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Clare Burgon
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Tom Dening
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Kathryn Fackrell
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Ferguson MA, Eikelboom RH, Sucher CM, Maidment DW, Bennett RJ. Remote Technologies to Enhance Service Delivery for Adults: Clinical Research Perspectives. Semin Hear 2023; 44:328-350. [PMID: 37484990 PMCID: PMC10361795 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many examples of remote technologies that are clinically effective and provide numerous benefits to adults with hearing loss. Despite this, the uptake of remote technologies for hearing healthcare has been both low and slow until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a key driver for change globally. The time is now right to take advantage of the many benefits that remote technologies offer, through clinical, consumer, or hybrid services and channels. These include greater access and choice, better interactivity and engagement, and tailoring of technologies to individual needs, leading to clients who are better informed, enabled, and empowered to self-manage their hearing loss. This article provides an overview of the clinical research evidence-base across a range of remote technologies along the hearing health journey. This includes qualitative, as well as quantitative, methods to ensure the end-users' voice is at the core of the research, thereby promoting person-centered principles. Most of these remote technologies are available and some are already in use, albeit not widespread. Finally, whenever new technologies or processes are implemented into services, be they clinical, hybrid, or consumer, careful consideration needs to be given to the required behavior change of the key people (e.g., clients and service providers) to facilitate and optimize implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A. Ferguson
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Robert H. Eikelboom
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Cathy M. Sucher
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David W. Maidment
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. Bennett
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Broome EE, Tannirandorn P, Straus J, Beale P, Heffernan E, Dening T, Henshaw H. Patient perceptions of cognitive screening in adult audiology services: A qualitative exploration. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1143128. [PMID: 37077572 PMCID: PMC10106580 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1143128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionBoth hearing loss and dementia are extremely pervasive, especially amongst older adults. As hearing loss and dementia have common symptoms, misdiagnosis can be common, and failure to address hearing loss for people with dementia could accelerate cognitive decline. The timely detection of cognitive impairment is clinically important, however the use of cognitive assessments in adult audiology services is a hotly debated topic. Although the early detection of cognitive impairment may improve patient care and quality of life, patients attending audiology services for hearing assessment might not expect to be asked questions about their cognition. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore patient and public perspectives and preferences on the use of cognitive screening within adult audiology services.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative data were gathered from an online survey and a workshop. Descriptive statistics were applied to quantitative data and an inductive thematic analysis was performed on free-text responses.ResultsIn total, 90 respondents completed the online survey. Overall, cognitive screening in audiology was reported to be acceptable to participants (92%). A reflexive thematic analysis of the qualitative data reported four themes: i) knowledge of cognitive impairment and screening, ii) implementation of cognitive screening, iii) impact of screening on patient and iv) contributions to future care and research. A workshop was held with five participants to discuss and reflect on the findings in more detail.DiscussionParticipants found cognitive screening to be acceptable within adult audiology services providing audiologists had suitable training, and sufficient explanation and justification were provided. However, implications such as additional time and staff resource and supplementary training for audiologists would be required to address participants concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Broome
- Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Emma E. Broome
| | | | - Jean Straus
- Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Phoebe Beale
- Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eithne Heffernan
- Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Dening
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Henshaw
- Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Katiri R, Sivan N, Noone A, Farrell E, McLoughlin L, Lang B, O'Donnell B, Kieran SM. Outcomes from 7 years of a direct to audiology referral pathway. Ir J Med Sci 2022:10.1007/s11845-022-03145-0. [PMID: 36056228 PMCID: PMC9439272 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03145-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background The direct to audiology via ENT referral pathway was designed to enhance patient access to audiology services. The pathway is recommended in the Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery: a model of care for Ireland report, published in 2019. Aims This study aimed to review the outcomes of all patients that attended our institution over the last seven years. Methods A retrospective review of the direct to audiology referral service from March 2014 to December 2021 was conducted. Outcomes were defined by the pathway each patient took following attendance at the audiology clinic. Patients were either (i) discharged, (ii) referred for hearing aid(s) or (iii) identified as candidates for further diagnostic assessments, including a follow-up at the ENT outpatient clinic. Results During the time frame, 419 patients were triaged to the pathway. The average wait time was 13 days. The average age was 53 years (range 16–96 years, SD = 6.1). Approximately 34% (n = 143) of all patients referred were discharged back to the GP by the audiologist, but 66% (n = 276) presented with ‘red flags’ and needed further investigation in the ENT clinic, with 30% (n = 73) ultimately requiring imaging studies. Over half (n = 254, 61%) were referred for hearing aids. Conclusion The direct to audiology initiative has proven effective at reducing waiting times for ENT patients solely in need of audiological intervention. Approximately one-third of these referrals to the ENT service can be assessed comprehensively in the audiology clinic, thereby reducing the demand for ENT clinics, enhancing service provision and expediting onwards referral for amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roulla Katiri
- Department of Audiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. .,Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Nina Sivan
- Department of Audiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anthony Noone
- ENT Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eric Farrell
- ENT Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura McLoughlin
- ENT Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bronagh Lang
- ENT Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bronagh O'Donnell
- HSE Community Audiology Services, Grangegorman Primary Care Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen M Kieran
- ENT Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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11
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Huang H, Wang J, Jiang CQ, Zhu F, Jin YL, Zhu T, Zhang WS, Xu L. Hearing loss and depressive symptoms in older Chinese: whether social isolation plays a role. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:620. [PMID: 35883170 PMCID: PMC9316428 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Existing evidence links hearing loss to depressive symptoms, with the extent of association and underlying mechanisms remaining inconclusive. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the association of hearing loss with depressive symptoms and explored whether social isolation mediated the association. Methods Eight thousand nine hundred sixty-two participants from Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study were included. Data on self-reported hearing status, the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), social isolation and potential confounders were collected by face-to-face interview. Results The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 60.2 (7.8) years. The prevalence of poor and fair hearing was 6.8% and 60.8%, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, household income, education, occupation, smoking, alcohol use, self-rated health, comorbidities, compared with participants who had normal hearing, those with poor hearing (β = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54, 0.94) and fair hearing (β = 0.59, 95% CI 0.48, 0.69) had higher scores of GDS-15. After similar adjustment, those with poor hearing (odds ratio (OR) = 2.13, 95% CI 1.65, 2.74) or fair hearing (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.43, 1.99) also showed higher odds of depressive symptoms. The association of poor and fair hearing with depressive symptoms attenuated slightly but not substantially after additionally adjusting for social isolation. In the mediation analysis, the adjusted proportion of the association mediated through social isolation was 9% (95% CI: 6%, 22%). Conclusion Poor hearing was associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms, which was only partly mediated by social isolation. Further investigation of the underlying mechanisms is warranted. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03311-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2ndRoad, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2ndRoad, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | | | - Feng Zhu
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Ya Li Jin
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Wei Sen Zhang
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510620, China.
| | - Lin Xu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2ndRoad, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. .,School of Public Health, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Granberg S, Skagerstrand Å. Enhancing Person-Centered Audiologic Rehabilitation: Exploring the Use of an Interview Tool Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Core Sets for Hearing Loss. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:945464. [PMID: 36188968 PMCID: PMC9397928 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.945464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Health care interventions that are intended to improve hearing should be based on the results of individual patient assessments. To improve these assessments, the feasibility of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)-based interview tool was tested in a single clinical setting in Sweden. Audiologists participating in the study used the interview tool during a four-week testing period and provided written reflections after each session. The use of this tool was also evaluated in a focus group interview that took place after the completion of the project. The results of this study identified both process-related and structure-related factors that were highly relevant to the implementation of this interview tool. Overall, the findings revealed that the use of this interview tool promoted person-centered care in encounters focused on clinical audiological rehabilitation. Specifically, the ICF-based holistic approach permitted the audiologists to acquire more comprehensive patient narratives. The use of the ICF interview tool facilitated patient participation and permitted the audiologist to collect more substantial and meaningful information from each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Granberg
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Audiological Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Åsa Skagerstrand
- Audiological Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Audiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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