PP106 - Improving Hearing Health Care and Promoting Communication in Resident Care Facilities

Abstract:
There is a strong association between cognitive decline and hearing loss, and the impact of these comorbidities is often underestimated in the older adult population in long-term care facilities. Effective treatment for this population is crucial to reduce negative impacts on communication, daily functioning, and psychosocial outcomes. Research supports strategies to maximize communication and improve hearing healthcare, including training staff, fostering relationships with audiologists, utilizing technology and communication techniques, and modifying the environment. Holistic care plans individualized to residents’ needs are essential, and audiologists play a role in encouraging long-term care facilities to prioritize hearing healthcare.

Summary:
There is a strong association between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults, and these comorbidities are often found among older adults living in long-term care facilities. This decline negatively impacts communication, daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to implement treatment in older adults with multiple impairments living in long-term care facilities.

The goal of this poster is to review specific approaches and the supporting evidence that promotes communication and hearing healthcare that are specific to long-term resident care facilities. It is crucial to treat the resident holistically and implement a care plan that is individualized to their specific needs. Audiologists may assist in encouraging care facilities to implement these strategies.

Research supports several strategies to improve communication and hearing healthcare in long-term care facilities. These include training staff members, fostering facilities’ relationships with audiologists, utilizing technology and communication techniques, and environmental modification.

Hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, but treatment options can be complicated by existing cognitive impairments. Caregivers lacking resources and knowledge to properly care for an older adult with hearing loss and cognitive decline can also be a barrier to treatment. Effective treatment for older adults in facilities should aim to maximize communication and quality of life.

Long-term care facilities often lack resources and staff members with proper education on hearing loss or amplification. Creating basic training on hearing support/devices, individualized treatment plans, and clear caregiver roles may improve outcomes. Research has demonstrated benefit from utilizing individualized care plans that document the patients’ abilities and communication preferences, utilizing a holistic approach by incorporating cognitive and physical ability of the resident to assist in an effective hearing care plan, utilizing “Hearing Champions,” staff members with additional responsibility for hearing support who are incentivized with a higher pay, and providing printed materials and online videos for staff to refresh their knowledge on hearing healthcare.

Many facilities lack connections with audiology clinics, available transportation, or ability of staff to attend appointments with residents. Partnering with an audiologist for annual hearing evaluations and regular cerumen management could prove highly beneficial.

Facilities have low compliance rates for hearing aid and device use, often due to residents perceiving no benefit, lacking knowledge, or expressing discomfort wearing the device. However, patients utilizing amplification see improvements in communication, speech recognition, quality of life, and reduced anxiety. Enhancing staff knowledge of amplification and leveraging technologies like Speech-to-Text apps may improve communication outcomes.

Several communication techniques can be employed in facilities, including using flashcards with phrases or pictures, repeating or rephrasing information, talking slowly face-to-face, and using “yes/no” questions

Noisy environments and poor acoustics in long-term care facilities negatively impacts communication. Conversing in quiet, well-lit areas with better sound acoustics reduces barriers to communication.

Long-term care facilities can be limited in their ability to implement change due to funding and staff turnover. However, addressing hearing loss is vital for improving communication and quality of life, making it crucial for audiologists to advocate for these improvements.