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Utah's Foremost Platform for Undergraduate Research Presentation
2022 Abstracts

Hearing Impairment in Long Term Care: Recommendations for Bedside Nursing Care

Presenter: Jadison Christenson
Authors: Jadison Christenson, Morgan Howard, Alina Wilson Anderson, Lisa Ord, Kelly Ang, Bailey Bay
Faculty Advisor: Corinna Trujillo Tanner
Institution: Brigham Young University

Purpose: We reviewed the literature and interviewed hearing loss experts on topics surrounding sensory health needs of older adults with hearing impairment (HI) residing in long-term care (LTC) settings. We offer recommendations to promote quality of life and optimal health outcomes. Background: HI is prevalent among older adults, with 33% of adults age 70 and older experiencing clinically significant hearing loss. HI is associated with limited communication, decreased cognitive function, reduced quality of life, and lower overall well-being. Method: A search for peer-reviewed articles published between 2011-2021 was performed using the PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline databases. Search terms included hearing impairment, hearing loss, deaf, long-term care, and skilled nursing facility. Information from the most relevant is included in this literature review. Additionally, we interviewed hearing loss experts, who gave recommendations for assisting older adults with HI. Results: HI affects between 54-90% of residents of LTC and has a high impact on quality of life and functioning. Frequently, nurses are unaware of the impact that proper use of assistive hearing devices (AHD) can have. Although there is disparity in access to AHD, nurses who with an increased awareness of AHD need can advocate for patients to obtain these devices while utilizing other strategies to enhance communication. Recommendations: Nurses should encourage patients to use AHD whenever possible to mitigate barriers cause by HI. Nurses may facilitate use of AHDs by familiarizing themselves with the equipment, its function and maintenance. When a nurse takes time to assist a patient with AHDs, the negative impact of HI is may be mitigated. Importantly, many patients with HI may feel embarrassed or scared to acknowledge their HI. Patient centered nursing care that incorporates meeting sensory health needs can optimize positive health outcomes and can reduce depression, social isolation and cognitive decline among residents of LTC.