The effects of hearing loss on person-centred care in residential aged care: a narrative review

Person-centred care is achieved through strategies such as effective communication and shared decision-making. Hearing loss can lead to communication breakdown and social isolation in residential aged care. The review aimed to address how hearing loss affects person-centred care in residential aged care settings. Empirical literature was identified through a systematic search of academic databases. Articles were reviewed against an inclusion criteria and general inductive analysis was employed to identify recurring factors across included studies. Six common factors emerged from the data: communication breakdown, the overlap between hearing loss and cognitive impairment, social isolation and reduced social participation, limited access to hearing services, inadequate training provided to care staff, and strategies to improve communication. Recommended strategies to facilitate person-centred care for residents with hearing loss are presented. Further investigation is needed to understand the effects of hearing loss on residents' autonomy and shared decision-making.