Audiological Rehabilitation in a Residential Aged Care Facility

Abstract

The aims of the study reported in this article were to (i) investigate the levels of hearing impairment, activity limitations and participation restrictions in the residents of an aged care facility; (ii) assess the communication environment of the facility; and (iii) describe the implementation and outcomes of a holistic, communication-focused approach to the audiological rehabilitation of residents. Fifteen residents (aged 79 to 99 years) were recruited to this study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using pure-tone audiometry as a measure of impairment, self-report measures of activity limitations and participation restrictions, and a modified version of the Communication Environment Assessment and Planning Guide to examine environmental factors. Interventions were administered both at the level of the individual as well as the wider communication environment. Results indicated that 14 of the 15 residents were hearing impaired, with four experiencing significant levels of activity limitations and participation restrictions. A moderate correlation was obtained between impairment and activity limitations/participation restrictions. Eight participants were assessed post-intervention; although activity limitations/participation restrictions scores did not show any significant differences, qualitative data indicated some of the benefits of the program. The study not only supported previous findings on the nature of hearing impairment, activity limitations and participation restrictions in residents of aged care facilities, but also importantly highlighted the difficulties faced by clinicians and researchers working in this environment.