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Singapore Medical Journal Jan 2024
PubMed: 38189380
DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-040 -
BMC Health Services Research Dec 2023This study identified and explored how National Health Service (NHS) hearing aid clinics address cultural competence concerning Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users....
BACKGROUND
This study identified and explored how National Health Service (NHS) hearing aid clinics address cultural competence concerning Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users. This was approached by (i) investigating how organisational processes meet the needs of Deaf signers from a hospital and hearing aid clinic perspective, (ii) analysing policies and guidelines to investigate if they equip practitioners to meet the needs of Deaf signers and (iii) exploring with practitioners who work in hearing aid clinics about their experiences of working with Deaf signers.
METHODS
This study utilised a mixed-methods multiple case study design, incorporating documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. Interview analysis was conducted using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). The research encompassed two hearing aid clinics in separate hospitals, producing 19 documents and eight interviews (four at each site) with audiologists ensuring a representative mix of professional experience levels.
RESULTS
Four themes emerged from the integrated analysis: (1) Understanding Deaf signers; (2) Communicating with Deaf signers; (3) Barriers and Facilitators and (4) Service improvement. A noticeable gap in understanding BSL as both a language and a cultural system was apparent across various policies, strategies, training programmes and staff expertise. Over-reliance on interpreters provided a false sense of accessibility and most participants felt tentative to engage directly with Deaf signers. Positive practices observed at Sites A and B encompassed accurate identification of patients as Deaf signers, improved interpreter availability, communication methods, enhanced training and the encouragement of professional self-awareness.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study that explores cultural competence of hearing aid clinics and its staff concerning Deaf signers in the UK. The results show both clinics require development to become an effective provider for culturally Deaf signers. Examples of how to design culturally competent practices have been provided to assist hearing aid clinics. The findings may be applicable to other underrepresented groups who are not typical users of conventional, acoustic hearing aids provided by the NHS.
Topics: Humans; Deafness; Sign Language; Hearing Aids; Cultural Competency; State Medicine; United Kingdom
PubMed: 38114981
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10339-4 -
PloS One 2023Measurement of real-ear-to-coupler differentials (RECDs) is a critical part of the hearing aid (HA) verification process. This study examines the validity of reference...
Measurement of real-ear-to-coupler differentials (RECDs) is a critical part of the hearing aid (HA) verification process. This study examines the validity of reference RECD values preset by the HA analyzer, Audioscan RM500, for deaf-and-hard-of-hearing (DHH) children in Taiwan. RECD measurements were performed on 658 ears of DHH children. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the reference and measured RECD values. The findings revealed slight disparities between normative RECD values from North America and those observed in Taiwanese DHH children. While generally small (less than 5 dB), these differences imply potential challenges in achieving optimal HA fitting in specific scenarios. Therefore, we recommend individualized RECD/REM measurements for cases of poor auditory performance, certain frequency ranges, or notable variations in ear canal volume. From a clinical perspective, while broadly applicable, the use of North American RECD normative data in Taiwan requires cautious consideration of potential minor variations. This study contributes to current knowledge by affirming the use of a Western RECD database for Taiwanese DHH children. However, we underscore the ongoing importance of individualized HA fitting strategies, particularly for cases with stagnant intervention progress. While built-in RECD reference values can offer preliminary fitting guidance, especially in busy clinical settings, our study sheds light on the circumstances where caution is essential. Audiologists can efficiently allocate their time and effort by focusing on personalized RECD measurements for cases exhibiting suboptimal intervention outcomes, thereby effectively optimizing HA gain settings.
Topics: Humans; Child; Persons With Hearing Impairments; Taiwan; Reference Values; Ear; Hearing; Hearing Aids
PubMed: 38039315
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295236 -
International Journal of... 2022South Africa is a low to middle income country (LMIC) with a population of 60 million people. The public health sector serves more than 80% of the population. Chris Hani...
South Africa is a low to middle income country (LMIC) with a population of 60 million people. The public health sector serves more than 80% of the population. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is a central level public health care facility situated in Gauteng. The Speech Therapy and Audiology Department provides insight into their telepractice services through a qualitative approach. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in therapists exploring telepractice as a sustainable model of service delivery. Therapists and patients encountered many challenges to the implementation of telepractice, however, the commitment of therapists ensured that creative solutions were developed. A comprehensive needs analysis at public health institutions is required to ensure the sustainability of telepractice. A hybrid model (telepractice and in-person consults) holds the potential to reduce the financial burden on patients and increase access to quality patient-centered care.
PubMed: 38026559
DOI: 10.5195/ijt.2022.6517 -
Trials Nov 2023Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) signifies the bilateral, symmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss that commonly occurs in elderly individuals. Several studies have...
Hearing intervention for decreasing risk of developing dementia in elders with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial for Chinese Hearing Solution for Improvement of Cognition in Elders (CHOICE).
BACKGROUND
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) signifies the bilateral, symmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss that commonly occurs in elderly individuals. Several studies have suggested a higher risk of dementia among patients diagnosed with ARHL. Although the precise causal association between ARHL and cognitive decline remains unclear, ARHL has been recognized as one of the most significant factors that can be modified to reduce the risk of developing dementia potentially. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) typically serves as the initial stage in the transition from normal cognitive function to dementia. Consequently, the objective of our randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to further investigate whether the use of hearing aids can enhance cognitive function in older adults diagnosed with ARHL and MCI.
METHODS AND DESIGN
This study is a parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial conducted at multiple centers in Shanghai, China. We aim to enlist a total of 688 older adults (age ≥ 60) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe ARHL and MCI from our four research centers. Participants will be assigned randomly to either the hearing aid fitting group or the health education group using block randomization with varying block sizes. Audiometry, cognitive function assessments, and other relevant data will be collected at baseline, as well as at 6, 12, and 24 months post-intervention by audiologists and trained researchers. The primary outcome of our study is the rate of progression to dementia among the two groups of participants. Additionally, various evaluations will be conducted to measure hearing improvement and changes in cognitive function. Apart from the final study results, we also plan to conduct an interim analysis using data from 12-month follow-up.
DISCUSSION
In recent years, there has been a notable lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the possible causal relationship between hearing fitting and the improvement of cognitive function. Our findings may demonstrate that hearing rehabilitation can be a valuable tool in managing ARHL and preventing cognitive decline, which will contribute to the development of a comprehensive framework for the prevention and control of cognitive decline.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000036139. Registered on 21 August 2020.
Topics: Humans; Aged; East Asian People; China; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cognition; Hearing; Dementia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38017543
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07813-z -
Maturitas Feb 2024We used a cohort of community-dwelling adults to establish the 10-year incidence and predictors of dizziness/vertigo, and its impacts on health-related quality of life.
OBJECTIVES
We used a cohort of community-dwelling adults to establish the 10-year incidence and predictors of dizziness/vertigo, and its impacts on health-related quality of life.
STUDY DESIGN
Of the 1152 participants aged 55 + years who did not have dizziness/vertigo at baseline, 799 and 377 participants were followed up after 5 and 10 years, respectively, and had complete data and so were included in the incidence analysis. Hearing loss was determined as the pure-tone average of audiometric hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, and any hearing loss was defined as >25 dB hearing level. Tinnitus and migraine were assessed by a positive response to a single question.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Audiologists screened participants for reported dizziness using a single question. Quality of life was measured using the Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36).
RESULTS
The cumulative 10-year incidence of dizziness/vertigo, vestibular vertigo and non-vestibular vertigo were 39.8 %, 27.1 %, and 11.9 %, respectively. Age and presence of migraine were significant predictors of incident dizziness/vertigo: multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.03 (95 % confidence interval, CI, 1.01-1.06) and HR 1.63 (95 % CI 1.13-2.35), respectively. A significant decrease in scores for the following SF-36 domains was observed over the 10 years among participants reporting baseline dizziness/vertigo: physical functioning (P-trend ≤ 0.0001), role limitation due to physical problems (P-trend ≤ 0.0001), general health (P-trend = 0.01), and vitality (P-trend = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Dizziness/vertigo was a frequent and detrimental symptom in this population of community-dwelling adults. Our study highlights the burden imposed by dizziness, as evidenced by a significant prospective association with poorer quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Dizziness; Quality of Life; Incidence; Independent Living; Vertigo; Hearing Loss; Migraine Disorders
PubMed: 38006814
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107890 -
Audiology Research Nov 2023Trauma from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and serious traumatic events in adulthood is a significantly prevalent concern for public-health-hearing healthcare...
BACKGROUND
Trauma from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and serious traumatic events in adulthood is a significantly prevalent concern for public-health-hearing healthcare professionals. The pediatric and geriatric populations that audiologists often work with have been shown to be at an increased risk of experiencing traumatic events. Childhood and adult trauma can significantly impact the hearing and vestibular testing and treatment of these patients.
METHODS
This narrative review article discusses trauma-informed care (TIC) strategies that audiologists can use to recognize and respond to trauma in patients and prevent retraumatizing patients during their encounters in audiology clinics.
CONCLUSIONS
This article will provide an overview of TIC and direct the reader to resources for their continued learning. Practical guidance on implementing trauma-informed practices in clinical audiology are also provided.
PubMed: 37987338
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060080 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Nov 2023Hearing disability in preschool children can delay or impact oral communication and social skills. Provision of hearing screening tests by standard audiometry in low- to...
BACKGROUND
Hearing disability in preschool children can delay or impact oral communication and social skills. Provision of hearing screening tests by standard audiometry in low- to middle-income countries is problematic due to a lack of pediatric audiologists, standard hearing equipment, and standard soundproof rooms. Therefore, an innovative hearing screening tool that is easily accessible and inexpensive such as a mobile app should be considered. Headphones have been a crucial part of hearing screenings. Audiometric headphones, which serve as the reference standard, have been used in most studies. However, since audiometric headphones are not accessible in rural areas, we hypothesized that generic headphones can also be used in hearing screenings.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, κ coefficiency, and time consumption of the PASS-Pro (Preschool Audiometry Screening System-Pro) app when using TDH39 headphones, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones, and generic earmuff headphones compared to standard conditioned play audiometry.
METHODS
We recruited preschool children aged 4 to 5 years to participate in this study. The children received 3 PASS-Pro screening tests using different types of headphones in a quiet room and 1 standard conditioned play audiometry in a soundproof room. All tests were administered in random order. The agreement coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, and mean test duration were determined.
RESULTS
A total of 44 children participated in this study. For mild hearing loss screening, the κ coefficients between standard conditioned play audiometry and the PASS-Pro app using TDH39 headphones, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones, and generic earmuff headphones were 0.195, 0.290, and 0.261 (P=.02, P=.002, and P=.004), respectively. The sensitivity for all headphones was 50% and the specificity was more than 88%. For moderate hearing loss screening, the κ coefficients were 0.206, 0.272, and 0.235 (all Ps=.001), respectively. The sensitivity for all headphones was 100% and the specificity was more than 92%. There were no statistical differences in sensitivity and specificity between the reference headphone (TDH39), Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphone, and generic earmuff headphones (all Ps >.05). The PASS-Pro app used significantly less time to carry out hearing tests than conditioned play audiometry (P<.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The PASS-Pro app, used with generic headphones, is effective for conducting hearing screening tests in preschool children with high sensitivity and specificity.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Humans; Communication; Hearing; Hearing Loss; Mobile Applications; Reference Standards
PubMed: 37962900
DOI: 10.2196/44703 -
Journal of Audiology & Otology Jan 2024The discrepancies between the objective and subjective measurements used to select and fit hearing aids indirectly impact the perceived benefit and perception in the...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The discrepancies between the objective and subjective measurements used to select and fit hearing aids indirectly impact the perceived benefit and perception in the presence of noise. This study aimed to bridge the gap between objective and subjective measurements in hearing aid fitting by adapting and validating the "Perceptual Performance Test (PPT)" in Malayalam. Subjects and.
METHODS
Standardized Malayalam-language sentences were used to adapt PPT and administer it to 65 native Malayalam speakers (30 normal and 35 hearing impaired). Performance and perception speech recognition thresholds in noise (SRTN) and Performance-Perceptual Discrepancy (PPDIS) were evaluated at various noise levels along with Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) or Adults (HHIA).
RESULTS
Both perceptual and performance SRTNs were better among normal-hearing individuals than in the hearing-impaired group. Moreover, the participants with hearing impairment were found to have a significant effect of noise level on both the measures, which was otherwise not seen among normal-hearing individuals. The normative criteria for PPDIS were established to categorize the individuals as under-, over-, or accurate estimators. The performance and perception outcomes varied significantly between groups (normal hearing and hearing impaired) and across noise levels. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between perceptual and performance SRTNs with emotional and social subscales and total HHIE/A scores. Additionally, a negative association was noted between PPDIS values and HHIE/A scores.
CONCLUSIONS
The adapted test is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the benefit of hearing aids. PPDIS can provide crucial information to audiologists regarding an individual's judgement about their hearing ability, with an explanation for the discrepancy between objective and subjective reports of hearing impairments.
PubMed: 37953516
DOI: 10.7874/jao.2023.00073