Hearing Loss: Why Does It Matter for Nursing Homes?

J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2018 Apr;19(4):323-327. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.12.007. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Abstract

Over the past decade, hearing loss has emerged as a key issue for aging and health. We describe why hearing loss may be especially disabling in nursing home settings and provide an estimate of prevalence using the Minimum Data Set (MDS v.3.0). We outline steps to mitigate hearing loss. Many solutions are inexpensive and low-tech, but require significant awareness and institutional commitment.

Keywords: Hearing loss; Minimum Data Set; nursing home; quality of life.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / physiopathology
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss / epidemiology*
  • Hearing Loss / psychology
  • Homes for the Aged / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Nursing Homes / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Assessment
  • United States