Can You Hear Me Now?

Cathy Richards, M.A.

Director of Lifestyle and Wellness Asbury Methodist Village

Paula Schauer, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA

Clinical Assistant Professor University of Maryland

Meet “Eve” …and her puppy “Dash”

The Six Components of Wellness

Impact of Hearing Loss on Wellness

• QUALITY OF LIFE • ACTIVITIES OF DAILY

LIVING • PARTICIPATION • CONVERSATIONAL

FLUENCY • ACCESSIBILITY

Primary Public Health Issues

Arthritis

Hypertension

Hearing Loss

1

2

3

Onset of Hearing Loss

CONGENITAL ACQUIRED/SUDDEN

Presbycusis – Age Related Hearing Loss

Prevalence of Hearing Loss (Zhang, et al, 2013)

Hearing Aid Usage – Aging Adults

15% Hearing Aid Adoption Rate

Serious Implications of Hearing Loss • Impact on overall health and wellness

• Scope of problem and profound effects are not adequately

appreciated •Most individuals wait an average of 7 years after diagnoses

to pursue treatment • The onset of cognitive decline is directly correlated with

untreated hearing loss

Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk

• For each 10-decibel loss in hearing, the risk of dementia increases 20%

•Mild hearing loss = 2x the risk of dementia

•Moderate hearing loss = 3x the risk of dementia

•Severe hearing loss = 5x the risk of dementia

Hearing Loss Leads to:

➢Increasing frustration in social settings, which leads to… ➢Tuning out and social isolation, which leads to… ➢Loneliness, depression, which also leads to… ➢An increase in inflammation throughout the body, which in turn can

result in age-related disorders like heart disease and dementia.

Hearing loss, a disability that is currently untreated in about 85% of those affected, may be the nation’s most damaging and costly sensory handicap.

A CALL TO ACTION • Many are in denial because there is a stigma about hearing loss.

• People with hearing loss are not aware of what they don’t hear and thus their comprehension is deficient.

• Help is available, including simple tips, strategies and technologies that can significantly improve hearing and quality of life. Those with hearing loss shouldn’t settle for not hearing and/or staying at home.

• Improvements require an investment of time and money. Hearing aids need ongoing adjustments and maintenance. But it’s worth it!

• How can our community help reduce the embarrassment and urge to hide hearing loss? Why are hearing aids viewed differently than wearing glasses? Both vision and hearing changes are common with aging and should not be a cause for embarrassment.

NEXT STEPS: What to do if you suspect hearing loss?

• Refer patient for hearing screening or audiological evaluation

• Advise patient to check insurance coverage for hearing healthcare

• Educate patients on the importance of • early identification and remediation of hearing loss • resources on the ties between hearing loss and healthy aging • information on hearing healthcare providers within their

communities

What Can Be Done to Promote Healthy Hearing at Your Senior Community? • Resident involvement

• Educational Materials in Print

• Educational Materials in Audiovisual Formats

• Staff training on extent of the problem and communication tips

• Trouble spot: the dining room

• Trouble spot: large venues and microphone use

• Culture and stigma of hearing loss

• On Campus access to providers

Resident Involvement • Create a task force

• Speak to dining staff training and at leadership meetings

• Write newsletter articles

• Perform in TV skits

• Tri-fold Brochure • Hearing Loss Facts and Stats

• Call to Action

• Tips for Talkers

• Assistive Devices

• Hearing Loops and T-Coils

• Dining Tip Cards

• Microphone Tip Cards

• Public Speaker Tips

• Meeting Planner’s Tips

• Campus Newspaper Articles

Educational Materials in Print

Educational Materials in Audiovisual Formats

•On-Campus TV Station •Healthy Hearing Multi-Part Series •Microphone Tips

Staff Training on Extent of the Problem and Communication Tips

• Leadership teams

• All employees

• Dining staff

• Meeting planners

Trouble Spot: the Dining Room • Dining Room Tip Cards • In-Service for Dining Staff

Trouble spot: Large Venues and Microphone Use

Address the Culture and Stigma of Hearing Loss

On Campus Access to Providers

•Classes • Optimizing Use of Your Hearing Aids

• Speech Reading

• Troubleshooting Clinic

• Full Audiology Satellite Clinic

A Work In Progress

• On-going task force • Short term initiatives

• Long range and ongoing initiatives

• Interventions for those with hearing loss • Beginning stages: encourage them not to ignore

• Moderate problems: provide tips for managing

• Advanced problems: provide information on advanced alternatives

• Enhanced overall wellness and quality of life for those with hearing loss

• Increased awareness and ways to be helpful for those without hearing loss

• Become a model environment for support and acceptance

TTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING

For more information, contact:

Cathy Richards, MA Director of Lifestyle and Wellness Asbury Methodist Village 301-987-6258 crichards@asbury.org

Paula C. Schauer, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA Clinical Assistant Professor, University of MD Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences 301-405-4218/4619 pschauer@umd.edu