Hearing loss is common in older age but is often poorly managed. The negative impact of hearing loss on communication can exacerbate symptoms of cognitive decline or be mistaken for mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Innovative, low-cost personal amplification devices which use digital technology to enhance speech, have the potential to remove communication barriers and improve experiences for users. Thus, this study aimed to explore the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of using such devices during nursing assessments in older community members with hearing loss.
Over a 4-month period in 2023, a quality improvement project using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles was conducted in an aged care organisation, involving 14 clients (including 6 existing hearing aid users) referred to a specialist Dementia Clinical Nurse Consultant. Observations included fewer requests to repeat instructions (n = 11), more focused test performance (n = 9), and less repetitive joking or phishing (n = 8). Devices were positively received by clients, blocking background noise (n = 8), being comfortable to wear (n = 6), quick (n = 5), and resulting in clear sound (n = 5). Although increased time was needed for consent and device fitting, less repetition and increased focused decreased the overall assessment duration. Training, practice guidelines and infection prevention are key factors for consideration in implementation.
This contemporary approach to modifying the environment with integration of personal amplification devices in home-based nursing assessments was feasible and acceptable. Both clients and nurses experienced improved communication and comfort during assessments, which supports the need for broader adoption.