Hearing loss is a major public health issue. It affects 18 million people across the UK – that’s 1 in 3 of us. The most common type of hearing loss is age-related hearing loss, which develops gradually with age and it is estimated that 75% of people in a care home have hearing loss – and that this will increase to 80% by 2032.
Previous research (download A World of Silence) showed how if the hearing loss of care home residents is identified and managed effectively, there is a real chance of improving their quality of life, by reducing loneliness and social isolation, and by improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Following on from this research, we have undertaken a project, funded by the Department of Health, to pilot and test changes that can be made to improve the diagnosis and management of hearing loss amongst care home residents. As a result of the project’s findings, we have produced this guide and a range of easy-to-use information sheets, to support care home managers and staff to:
- Identify and check for hearing loss
- Improve hearing aid use and management
- Meet communication needs
- Provide assistive listening devices
- Identify and manage other ear problems, such as tinnitus and ear-wax blockages
- Appoint hearing loss champions
Checking for hearing loss and next steps
Information sheet offering tips on how to recognise hearing loss, carry out hearing checks, and take appropriate action
Download Checking for hearing loss and next steps
Communicating well with residents who have hearing loss
Simple and effective tips on how to communicate effectively with residents who are deaf or have hearing loss
Download Communicating well with residents who have hearing loss
Looking after open-fit hearing aids
Information sheet setting out how to look after open-fit hearing aids
Download Looking after open-fit hearing aids
Looking after standard-fit hearing aids
Information sheet setting out how to look after standard-fit hearing aids
Download Looking after standard-fit hearing aids
Supporting residents with hearing loss – tips for family members
Useful tips for family members to help support care home staff to address their relative’s hearing loss
Download tips for family members
How to support me with hearing loss
Easy to use form residents can complete to help staff support them with their hearing loss
Download How to support me with hearing loss
Hearing aid care plan
Easy to use form for care staff to complete for each resident who uses hearing aids