Examining the Effectiveness of Traditional Audiological Assessments for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia-Related Behaviors

Abstract

Background: It is currently estimated that the resident population of individuals over the age of 65 living in nursing homes will double by 2020. Nearly one-third of all nursing home residents have difficulty seeing or hearing, 46% have some form of dementia, and 30–84% of those with dementia in nursing homes show some form of agitation. Nursing home residents who do not receive appropriate audiological services may experience social isolation, cognitive decline and decreased mobility. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of standard audiological testing procedures for nursing home residents and to discuss the purpose of adapting assessment procedures that can lead to more effective audiological assessments for this population. Research Design: A retrospective chart analyses. A 33-item coding form was used to complete descriptive analysis of original audiological data and demographic data for 307 nursing home residents for a study to examine the effects of auditory stimulation on dementia-related behavior problems exhibited by nursing home residents through audiotape exposure to environmental sounds or soothing voice. Results: Although 77% (n = 235) of the 307 residents were considered compliant for the testing process and 74% (n = 288) tolerated putting on headphones, audiological assessment using air conduction testing could be completed in both ears on 32% (n = 100) of the residents. In fact, only 5% (n = 16) of the 307 residents were able to complete a full traditional audiometric assessment protocol. Conclusions: Proper identification of hearing impairment through effective and appropriate audiological assessment is crucial for preserving and enhancing quality-of-life in nursing home residents. This study served as an introduction to the problem of using traditional behavioral testing for hearing assessment of nursing home residents. Much work needs to be done to establish best practices for audiometric assessment in this population.