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Bakken TL. The effects of lockdown of work and activities for adults with multiple, complex needs including sensory impairments during the pandemic in 2020. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2024; 28:578-587. [PMID: 38305233 PMCID: PMC11059831 DOI: 10.1177/17446295241232030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Sheltered work and leisure activities were locked down in at the Signo centre in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Signo centre is a Norwegian national centre for adults with multiple, complex needs, including severe sensory loss/impairments. Tension and uncertainty rapidly spread among relatives and workers. To explore the impacts of the pandemic on residents, 24 adults living in Signo Vivo answered a semi-structured interview together with their primary worker. Additionally, reports on staff injuries and PRN medication between April and Aug of 2020 were compared to the period before the lockdown. The reports from the interviews included fewer stressful events for the participants, more rest and sleep, more time spent in their own apartments, and more time with smaller groups of workers. The reports on staff injuries and PRN medication showed decreased occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Lise Bakken
- National Advisory Unit for mental health in Intellectual Disability, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
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Wittorff MG, Lewin G, Burton E. Acquired Combined Vision and Hearing Loss: Awareness and Perceptions of Australian Aged Care Workers. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x221150221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Understanding the attitudes, competency, and awareness of those supporting older people who have an acquired combined vision and hearing loss is an important endeavor for this population. It can help guide aged care policy makers, leaders, and managers in the allocation of resources and training. This Australian study investigated the awareness and perceptions of aged care workers on supporting older adults with acquired combined vision and hearing loss. Methods: Twenty-four participants who were employed in aged care services participated in semistructured interviews that were thematically analyzed. The interviews explored the participants’ awareness of this disability, identification within their service, adaptation strategies, and their access to relevant information. Results: Several themes emerged, including lack of identification and recording of acquired combined vision and hearing loss in this population, lack of awareness of this disability, and lack of available information or training to support aged care workers within their care setting. Discussion: Aged care workers have little understanding of the prevalence of acquired combined vision and hearing loss in an older population. Care plans are key documents for individuals, which outline their needs and any sensory losses; however, this information is not well recorded. Aged care workers have little awareness of how to effectively support this population. When encountering an individual with an acquired combined vision and hearing loss, however, an aged care worker will develop strategies to support the individual. Individuals with this acquired dual-sensory loss, as well as dementia, pose a significant challenge to aged care workers, and dementia is often the primary focus of intervention. Implications for Practitioners: It appears that older individuals living in aged care settings who have acquired combined vision and hearing loss are not adequately identified, nor are aged care workers adequately trained to support individuals with this unique disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G. Wittorff
- Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gill Lewin
- Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Elissa Burton
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Fellinger J, Dall M, Gerich J, Fellinger M, Schossleitner K, Barbaresi WJ, Holzinger D. Is it feasible to assess self-reported quality of life in individuals who are deaf and have intellectual disabilities? Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:1881-1890. [PMID: 32926181 PMCID: PMC8429394 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is consensus that Quality of Life (QOL) should be obtained through self-reports from people with intellectual Disability (ID). Thus far, there have been no attempts to collect self-reported QOL from people who are deaf and have ID. METHODS Based on an established short measure for QOL (EUROHIS-QOL), an adapted easy-to-understand sign language interview was developed and applied in a population (n = 61) with severe-to-profound hearing loss and mild-to-profound ID. Self-reports were conducted at two time points (t1 and t2), 6 months apart. The Stark QOL, an established picture-based questionnaire, was also obtained at t2 and three Proxy ratings of QOL (from caregivers) were conducted for each participant at t1. RESULTS Self-reported QOL was successfully administered at both time points for 44 individuals with mild and moderate ID (IQ reference age between 3.3 and 11.8 years). The self-reports showed sufficient test-retest reliability and significant correlations with the Stark QOL. As anticipated, self-reported QOL was higher than proxy-reported QOL. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were good for self-reported QOL. CONCLUSION Reliable and valid self-reports of QOL can be obtained from deaf adults with mild-moderate ID using standard inventories adapted to the linguistic and cognitive level of these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Fellinger
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria. .,Konventhospital Barmherzige Brüder, Institut für Sinnes- und Sprachneurologie, Linz, Austria. .,Division of Social Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Magdalena Dall
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria ,Konventhospital Barmherzige Brüder, Institut für Sinnes- und Sprachneurologie, Linz, Austria
| | - Joachim Gerich
- Department of Sociology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Maria Fellinger
- Konventhospital Barmherzige Brüder, Institut für Sinnes- und Sprachneurologie, Linz, Austria
| | - Katharina Schossleitner
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria ,Konventhospital Barmherzige Brüder, Institut für Sinnes- und Sprachneurologie, Linz, Austria
| | - William Joseph Barbaresi
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Daniel Holzinger
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria ,Konventhospital Barmherzige Brüder, Institut für Sinnes- und Sprachneurologie, Linz, Austria ,Institute of Linguistics, Karl-Franzens University Graz, Graz, Austria
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Park SK, Chang J, Im GJ, Ahn JH, Lee JH, do Han K, Chung JW, Kim JS, Jang H, Lee SH. Status of early hearing detection and intervention in South Korea: a nationwide population-based study of national infant health checkup. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16838. [PMID: 33033313 PMCID: PMC7545194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73904-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of early hearing detection and intervention after newborn hearing screening (NHS) in South Korea. A retrospective review of Korean national health insurance service data of all infants receiving the 4-month old national infant health checkup between 2010 and 2016 from a nationwide population-based database was conducted. Based on the results of the NHS-administered hearing questionnaires as part of the national infant health checkup, individuals were classified into "pass" (1,730,615 infants) or "refer" (10,941 infants) groups. Next, an analysis was conducted of age and the frequencies of tracking audiologic tests and surgeries of the middle ear (ME) and cochlear implants (CI). Diagnostic auditory brainstem response and audiometry, and surgeries of ME and CI were significantly performed more and earlier in the refer group compared with the pass group. For infants in the pass group who were presumed to have delayed or acquired hearing loss, the time of the first audiology tests and CI surgery was significantly delayed compared to those in the refer group; the average ages for first CI were 37 and 52 months in the refer group and pass group, respectively. Therefore, for early detection of delayed-onset hearing loss, regular hearing screening programs should be considered throughout the preschool ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Kyoung Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiwon Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi Jung Im
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joong Ho Ahn
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Ho Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung do Han
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Woo Chung
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Sook Kim
- Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Hallym University College of Natural Sciences, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyunsook Jang
- Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Hallym University College of Natural Sciences, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222, Wangsimni-ro,Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Kiani R, Bhaumik S, Tyrer F, Bankart J, Miller H, Cooper SA, Brugha TS. The relationship between symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and visual impairment among adults with intellectual disability. Autism Res 2019; 12:1411-1422. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Kiani
- Leicestershire Learning Disability ServiceLeicestershire Partnership NHS Trust Leicester United Kingdom
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
| | - Sabyasachy Bhaumik
- Leicestershire Learning Disability ServiceLeicestershire Partnership NHS Trust Leicester United Kingdom
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
| | - Freya Tyrer
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
| | - John Bankart
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
| | - Helen Miller
- National Deaf Services, South West London and St. Georges Mental Health NHS Trust London United Kingdom
| | - Sally Ann Cooper
- Institute of Health and WellbeingUniversity of Glasgow Glasgow United Kingdom
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Ravenscroft J, Damen S. Editorial. BRITISH JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0264619619847016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
SummarySensory (visual and hearing) impairment has significant detrimental impact on sociocognitive and language development. Despite this, it is very much underrecognised and underdiagnosed in people with intellectual disability. Raising awareness of sensory impairment among professionals and carers is extremely important for early management to prevent further social handicap in people with intellectual disability. This article reviews sensory impairment in intellectual disability and its association with autism-spectrum disorder and mental illness.
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van Timmeren EA, van der Schans CP, van der Putten AAJ, Krijnen WP, Steenbergen HA, van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk HMJ, Waninge A. Physical health issues in adults with severe or profound intellectual and motor disabilities: a systematic review of cross-sectional studies. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2017; 61:30-49. [PMID: 27228900 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with severe or profound intellectual and motor disabilities (SPIMD) encounter several risk factors associated with higher mortality rates. They are also likely to experience a cluster of health problems related to the severe brain damage/dysfunction. In order to earlier detect physical health problems in people with SPIMD, first of all, knowledge regarding the prevalence of physical health problems is necessary. The aim of this systematic review was to methodically review cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of various types of physical health problems in adults with SPIMD. METHOD MedLine/PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 2004 and 2015. The quality of the incorporated studies was assessed utilising an adjusted 'risk of bias tool' for cross-sectional studies. To estimate the prevalence of the health problems, the proportion and corresponding confidence interval were calculated. A random effect meta-analysis was performed when at least three studies on a specific health problem were available. RESULTS In total, 20 studies were included and analysed. In the meta-analysis, a homogeneous prevalence rate of 70% (CI 65-75%) was determined for epilepsy. Heterogeneous results were ascertained in the meta-analysis for pulmonary/respiratory problems, hearing problems, dysphagia, reflux disease and visual problems. For the health problems identified in two studies or in a single study, the degree of evidence was low. As expected, higher prevalence rates were found in the current review compared with people with ID for visual problems, epilepsy and spasticity. CONCLUSION This review provides an overview of the current state of the art research on the prevalence of health problems in adults with SPIMD. There is a substantial need for comprehensive epidemiological data in order to find clusters of health problems specific for people with SPIMD. This would provide insight into the excess morbidity associated with SPIMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A van Timmeren
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - C P van der Schans
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A A J van der Putten
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - W P Krijnen
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H A Steenbergen
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - A Waninge
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Comorbid Deafblindness and Autism Spectrum Disorder—Characteristics, Differential Diagnosis, and Possible Interventions. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-016-0100-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Dammeyer J, Ask Larsen F. Communication and language profiles of children with congenital deafblindness. BRITISH JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0264619616651301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To be born deaf and blind creates both communicative and language acquisition barriers for a child. Although case studies, research, and practical reports have described the severe communicative delay that children with congenital deafblindness (CDB) often experience, to date, no population studies have given a systematic overview of the characteristics of communication, language use, and language acquisition. This study investigates modes of communication and level of language acquisition among 71 children with CDB using the Rowland Communication Matrix and a questionnaire form. Results show heterogeneity in use of communication mode, vocabulary, and level of language development. Communication was distributed across modalities with 23% using tactile language, 32% oral language, and 39% visual sign language. With regard to the level of language acquisition, 41% used pre-verbal communication, 42% verbal communication (tactile, visual, or oral) but with delay, and 18% verbal communication (tactile, visual, or oral) without any delay. Similar heterogeneity was reflected on vocabulary count and score on the Rowland Communication Matrix. Children with CDB are not a uniform group, and more research is needed in order to map out the diversity found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Dammeyer
- University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Deafblindness and Hearing Impairment, Denmark
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Wittich W, Barstow EA, Jarry J, Thomas A. Screening for sensory impairment in older adults: Training and practice of occupational therapists in Quebec. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2015; 82:283-93. [PMID: 26590228 DOI: 10.1177/0008417415573076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of occupational therapy education is to train generalists who can refine their knowledge after graduation according to the requirements of the professional environment. However, it is currently unclear to what extent sensory screening should be included in the educational curricula. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the sensory screening education for and practice by occupational therapists working with older adults. METHOD A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from members of the Quebec Order of Occupational Therapists. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis. FINDINGS Data from 102 respondents indicated that training on sensory impairment-related topics was minimal and in stark contrast to the proportion who reported serving clients with a visual (92%), hearing (84%), or combined impairment (53%). IMPLICATIONS Occupational therapy considers numerous aspects of physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The question remains as to what extent vision and hearing health should take their place among these priorities.
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Bloeming-Wolbrink KA, Janssen MJ, Ruijssenaars WAJJM, Menke R, Riksen-Walraven JM. Effects of changes in life circumstances on interaction and communication in adults with congenital deafblindness and an intellectual disability. BRITISH JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/0264619614558429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of the first 2 years of the ongoing Project CHANGE, aimed at improving interaction and communication in adults with congenital deafblindness (CDB) and an intellectual disability (ID). Six adults with no history of deafblind education participated in this study. These first 2 years of CHANGE involved an improvement in living conditions, including a transition to a new group home and interactions with specialized caregivers. Video recordings and file information were used to measure interaction and communication during baseline (T0) and two subsequent periods (T1 and T2). The results show an improvement in interaction: attention by the caregiver, confirmation by the caregiver, and affective involvement all improved. An improvement was also shown in the participants’ level of expressive communication and in the variety of their communicative behaviors. The improvements over time emphasize the need for a specific approach for persons with CDB and an ID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marleen J Janssen
- University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Royal Dutch Kentalis, The Netherlands
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Chen HC, Wang NM, Chiu WC, Liu SY, Chang YP, Lin PY, Chung K. A test protocol for assessing the hearing status of students with special needs. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 78:1677-85. [PMID: 25112167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals with disabilities are often reported to have a high prevalence of undetected hearing disorders/loss, but there is no standardized hearing test protocol for this population. The purposes of this study were (1) to examine the hearing status of students with special needs in Taiwan, and (2) to investigate the use of an on-site hearing test protocol that would adequately detect hearing problems in this population and reduce unnecessary referrals for off-site follow-up services. METHODS A total of 238 students enrolled in two schools for special education and one habilitation center participated in the study. Most students had intellectual disabilities and some also had additional syndromes or disorders. A hearing screening protocol including otoscopy, tympanometry, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions was administered to examine students' outer, middle, and inner ear functions, respectively. Pure tone tests were then administered as an on-site follow-up for those who failed or could not be tested using the screening protocol. RESULTS Only 32.4% of students passed. When administered alone, the referral rate of otoscopy, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emissions were 38.7%, 46.0%, and 48.5%, respectively. The integration of these subtests revealed 52.1% of students needed follow-up services, 11.8% could not be tested, 2.5% had documented hearing loss, and 1.3% needed to be monitored because of negative middle ear pressure. The inclusion of pure tone audiometry increased the passing rate by 9.9% and provided information on hearing sensitivity for an additional 8.6% of students. CONCLUSION Hearing assessments and regular hearing screening should be provided as an integral part of health care services for individuals with special needs because of high occurrences of excessive cerumen, middle ear dysfunction, and sensorineural hearing loss. The training of care-givers and teachers of students with special needs is encouraged so that they can help identify hearing problems and reduce the negative impact of hearing disorders and hearing loss. The screening protocol needs to include subtests that examine the status of different parts of their auditory system. The addition of pure tone audiometry as an on-site follow-up tool reduced the rate of off-site referrals and provided more information on hearing sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Chuan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Audiology and Speech Therapy, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Nan-Mai Wang
- School of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Section 1, Jiangou North Road, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Wen-Chen Chiu
- National Women's League Foundation for the Hearing Impaired, No. 45, Cheng Hsing St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Shu-Yu Liu
- School of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Section 1, Jiangou North Road, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yi-Ping Chang
- National Women's League Foundation for the Hearing Impaired, No. 45, Cheng Hsing St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Pei-Yu Lin
- Kaohsiung Municipal Cheng Gong Developmental Disabilities School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - King Chung
- Department of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders, Northern Illinois University, 323 Wirtz Hall, DeKalb, IL 60532, United States.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Deafblindness or dual sensory loss is a rare condition among young people, but more frequent among older people. Deafblindness is a heterogeneous condition that varies with regard to time of onset and degree of vision and hearing impairment, as well as communication mode, medical aetiology, and number and severity of co-morbidity. METHOD We conducted a comprehensive review of public health issues related to deafblindness. RESULTS Deafblindness often lead to barriers in language and communication, access to information and social interaction, which can lead to a number of health-related difficulties. Some of the reported consequences are a higher risk of depression, cognitive decline, developmental disorder in children and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Deafblindness is associated with a number of health-related issues and more knowledge is needed about the impact of dual sensory loss to be able to offer the best support.
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Wittich W, Watanabe DH, Gagné JP. Sensory and demographic characteristics of deafblindness rehabilitation clients in Montréal, Canada. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012; 32:242-51. [PMID: 22348651 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2012.00897.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Demographic changes are increasing the number of older adults with combined age-related vision and hearing loss, while medical advances increase the survival probability of children with congenital dual (or multiple) impairments due to pre-maturity or rare hereditary diseases. Rehabilitation services for these populations are highly in demand since traditional uni-sensory rehabilitation approaches using the other sense to compensate are not always utilizable. Very little is currently known about the client population characteristics with dual sensory impairment. The present study provides information about demographic and sensory variables of persons in the Montreal region that were receiving rehabilitation for dual impairment in December 2010. This information can inform researchers, clinicians, educators, as well as administrators about potential research and service delivery priorities. METHOD A chart review of all client files across the three rehabilitation agencies that offer integrated dual sensory rehabilitation services in Montreal provided data on visual acuity, visual field, hearing detection thresholds, and demographic variables. RESULTS The 209 males and 355 females ranged in age from 4months to 105years (M=71.9, S.D.=24.6), indicating a prevalence estimate for dual sensory impairment at 15/100000. Only 5.7% were under 18years of age, while 69.1% were over the age of 65years, with 43.1% over the age of 85years. The diagnostic combination that accounted for 31% of the entire sample was age-related macular degeneration with presbycusis. Their visual and auditory measures indicated that older adults were likely to fall into moderate to severe levels of impairment on both measures. Individuals with Usher Syndrome comprised 20.9% (n=118) of the sample. CONCLUSION The age distribution in this sample of persons with dual sensory impairment indicates that service delivery planning will need to strongly consider the growing presence of older adults as the baby-boomers approach retirement age. The distribution of their visual and auditory limits indicates that the large majority of this client group has residual vision and hearing that can be maximized in the rehabilitation process in order to restore functional abilities and social participation. Future research in this area should identify the specific priorities in both rehabilitation and research in individuals affected with combined vision and hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Wittich
- Centre de recherche institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, Montréal, Canada.
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Dammeyer J. Mental and behavioral disorders among people with congenital deafblindness. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2011; 32:571-575. [PMID: 21227639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2010.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2010] [Revised: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The population of people with congenital deafblindness faces challenges concerning communication and mobility. Due to the significance of the sensory loss it is difficult to diagnose mental and behavioral disorders. This article investigates the prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders among 95 congenitally deafblind adults. Seventy-four percent were found to have a mental and/or behavioral diagnose. Mental retardation was found among 34%, psychosis among 13%. Mental and behavioral disorders, especially with symptoms of psychosis and mental retardation, are common among people with congenital deafblindness. Clinical experience is needed, as well as cross-disciplinary cooperation and specialized diagnostic methods together with a observation and intervention period in order to be able to assess and differentiate mental and behavioral symptoms from sensory deprivation in people with congenital deafblindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Dammeyer
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Psychology, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353 København K, Denmark.
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