Hearing loss prevalence and management in nursing home residents.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and management of hearing loss and hearing handicap among non-demented nursing home residents. DESIGN: Descriptive study of total population of two nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: All 121 eligible residents. SETTINGS: Two nursing homes. MINI OUTCOME MEASURES: Audiometry, questionnaires of nurses and subjects regarding perceived hearing handicap, and documentation in medical records of hearing loss. RESULTS: 77% had at least a mild (greater than or equal to 26 dB Hearing Level) hearing loss in the better ear, and 51% had a moderate to severe loss (greater than or equal to 41 dB HL). Self-assessments of hearing handicap by residents, together with audiometric findings and expressed interest in a hearing aid, were more useful guides for aural rehabilitation needs than were nurses' assessments of residents' handicaps. Medical records failed to identify 48% of residents with moderate to severe hearing losses. Fifty-eight percent of residents with severe hearing loss currently had hearing aids, and 38% more would like to have an aid. CONCLUSIONS: Residents should have hearing evaluations with documentation of results on admission and periodically under the direction of a nurse trained as a hearing specialist. Environmental modifications of the NH plus use of hearing aids can improve hearing.