Improving Detection of Untreated Hearing Loss in a Comprehensive Care Setting Using a Single-Question Screener
2024
Improving Detection of Untreated Hearing Loss
Sample size: 49
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Mamo Sara, Krysko Alyssa, Garrity Katherine, Wallhagen Margaret
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hypothesis
Can a single-question screener effectively identify untreated hearing loss in older adults?
Conclusion
A single-question screener can help identify individuals who may need a hearing evaluation.
Supporting Evidence
- A majority of older adults have untreated hearing loss.
- The study used a single-question screener administered by medical assistants.
- The sensitivity of the screening method was calculated at 71.4%.
- The specificity of the screening method was calculated at 42.9%.
- 14 individuals had clinically normal hearing, 24 had mild hearing loss, and 11 had moderate or worse hearing thresholds.
Takeaway
This study shows that asking one simple question can help find older people who might have trouble hearing.
Methodology
Participants were screened by medical assistants, and hearing thresholds were collected after their appointment.
Limitations
The sample included no current hearing aid users, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 56-90 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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