Multidimensional Analysis of Communication Skills in Geriatric Individuals

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of hearing loss increases significantly with age. Untreated hearing loss causes additional problems such as communication disorders, depression, dementia, isolation from society, loneliness, and decreased quality of life. To investigate the effects of hearing impairment in geriatric population and communication barriers due to hearing impairment and its effects on perception, attention, memory, fine motor skills and quality of life. Methods: Ninety volunteered elderly, aged minimum 65 years with no dementia, participated. Demographic information of the participants was obtained and the Stroop Test, Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly form, quality of life-elderly form, Digit Span Test, and Timed Fine Motor Test were applied respectively. They were divided into 3 groups (no hearing impairment: n = 27; mild to moderate impairment: n = 33; and significant impairment: n = 30) according to the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly. Results: The mean age of the participants was 80.2 ± 7.14 years, and 70% of them had self-reported hearing loss. According to the results of the analysis, the statistically significant differences were found between the hearing impairment scale and memory (P < .05), perception and attention (P < .05), fine motor skills (P < .05), and quality of life (P < .05). Conclusion: In terms of the hearing impairment scale, if the hearing impairment was worse, the quality of life was also worse. The elderly with cognitive communication problems and hearing loss were more likely to experience problems such as perception and attention, memory, and fine motor skills. Developing multidisciplinary early screening protocols for identifying and intervening hearing loss/communication skills potentially reduces such possible risks.