Hearing problems in the elderly

Details

Title

Hearing problems in the elderly

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS242

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST, with respect to elderly patients with hearing problems, will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge and perform a specialist assessment and treatment of patients demonstrating the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist within a patient focused service. In particular they will be able to determine the cause and impact of hearing problems in the elderly, instigate and interpret appropriate audiovestibular investigations and initiate and provide management relevant to the patient within their environment.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their expert knowledge required with respect to: 

• the different conditions which may cause hearing impairment in the elderly.
• the effects of the general ageing process on the auditory system.
• other relevant services, e.g. social worker for the hearing impaired, who can provide help for such individuals.
• the different rehabilitative approaches that are available and the importance of agreeing an appropriate individual management plan with the patient.
• other impairment e.g. loss of tactile sensitivity or blindness, which might impair the individual’s ability to cope with more routine rehabilitative approaches.
• issues of motivation and cognitive decline which may impact on an individual’s ability to take part in rehabilitation.
• psychosocial issues associated with hearing loss in the elderly including feelings of isolation and avoidance.
• common general medical problems in the elderly which may affect rehabilitation.
• hearing aids and other devices suitable for use amongst the elderly population.
• associated problems such as balance disturbance and falls.
• impact of, and association between dementia and hearing loss.
• safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance and mastery of a range of technical skills whilst critically reflecting and applying in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with the elderly and their families or carers, and other healthcare professionals and will:

• take a relevant history and perform a relevant clinical examination as appropriate in the role of Consultant Clinical Scientist.
• select, carry out and interpret appropriate audiological tests.
• select other relevant investigations and take appropriate action on the results.
• suspect additional medical problems which may adversely affect rehabilitation e.g. hypothyroidism, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and refer appropriately to the GP or a physician in Elderly Care.
• refer appropriately for or provide instrumental devices e.g. hearing aids, environmental aids.
• select and interpret appropriate outcome measures.
• liaise effectively with hearing therapists, social workers for the hearing impaired and the voluntary sector regarding optimal approaches to management of the individual’s problems.
• discuss management options with the patient and carers.
• identify difficulties with motivation and behaviour and seek to modify in order to optimise rehabilitation.
• reflect on the challenges of applying research to practice in relation to these areas of practice and suggest improvements, building on a critique of available evidence.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations demonstrating the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• recognise the impact of hearing loss on individuals and their family and friends and respond appropriately
• appreciate the importance of education to aid rehabilitation and respond appropriately.
• recognise the need for an empathetic approach and respond appropriately.
• appreciate the effect of additional health needs on management of hearing loss in the elderly and respond appropriately.
• be committed to and support continuous improvement of therapeutic services, with particular reference to auditing practice, evidence based practice, innovative, new and improved technologies.