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Estimating the prevalence of hearing loss in people with dementia: A feasibility study

Estimating the prevalence of hearing loss in people with dementia: A feasibility study

URL: https://goltc.org/projects/goltc-1706547439

Access to careHealthcare access in LTCPerson-centered careResearch gaps and priorities in LTCResidential LTC servicesUnmet needs United Kingdom Public (including government) Co-production methodsMixed methodsQualitative studiesTheory and frameworksTrials and other evaluations

Project status
Ongoing
Contact
Hannah Cross
PI Name
Rebecca Millman
Host institution
The University of Manchester
Team members
Hannah Cross, Piers Dawes, Christopher Armitage, Laura Brown, Iracema Leroi & Rebecca Millman
Funded by
Funded by the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre - Hearing Health theme.

KEYWORDS / CATEGORIES

Countries
United Kingdom
Topics
Access to care | Healthcare access in LTC | Person-centered care | Research gaps and priorities in LTC | Residential LTC services | Unmet needs
Funding Type
Public (including government)
Methods
Co-production methods | Mixed methods | Qualitative studies | Theory and frameworks | Trials and other evaluations
Project Summary

The risk of developing dementia and hearing loss increases with age, leading to a significant overlap of these conditions. Detecting and managing hearing difficulties in individuals with dementia is crucial, as untreated hearing loss can exacerbate confusion, depression, social isolation, and dementia-related symptoms. However, the prevalence rate of hearing loss in people with dementia remains unknown in the UK. Prior to conducting a large-scale study to estimate this prevalence, we will assess the reliability and acceptability of hearing tests for this population and explore participant recruitment and retention strategies, both for people living in the community and in care homes. We will also use qualitative interviews to understand the reasons behind unidentified hearing loss in people with dementia, aiming to identify barriers to engaging with audiology services. The results will be used to propose recommendations for improved hearing assessments and audiology pathways tailored to individuals with dementia.

Outputs

Qualitative study into: The barriers and facilitators to hearing healthcare for people with dementia.

Mixed-method study into: The acceptability and tolerability of hearing assessment, including pure-tone audiometry, for people with dementia.

Quantitative study into: The feasibility of estimating the prevalence of hearing loss in people with dementia.