Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss is becoming more prevalent as the aging population continues to rise worldwide. Left untreated, hearing loss is a significantly under-reported concern that negatively impacts quality of life including mental health, cognition, and healthcare communication. Since many older a...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ageing and Longevity |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9259/5/1/6 |
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| author | Erika Squires An Dinh Lori A. Pakulski |
| author_facet | Erika Squires An Dinh Lori A. Pakulski |
| author_sort | Erika Squires |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Age-related hearing loss is becoming more prevalent as the aging population continues to rise worldwide. Left untreated, hearing loss is a significantly under-reported concern that negatively impacts quality of life including mental health, cognition, and healthcare communication. Since many older adults may not report hearing concerns to their primary physicians, allied healthcare providers (AHPs) have an important role in recognizing communication challenges due to potential hearing loss, screening for hearing issues, and making referrals as needed. Moreover, AHPs may need to address hearing loss, at least temporarily, to provide their services when communication problems are present. The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge and practice patterns of AHPs regarding hearing loss among their patients. Results of a national survey indicated that many AHPs understand the negative implications of unaddressed hearing loss and the importance of hearing screening, but they are unsure of who, when, and how to address it. Consequently, immediate and innovative solutions are offered to AHPs to enhance communication with patients who might have unaddressed hearing loss. Moreover, findings can be used to develop training and policies to ensure that professionals are well positioned to address the complex needs of individuals with unaddressed hearing loss. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a3f5aef77268444db7f2048cc15d500e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-9259 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Ageing and Longevity |
| spelling | doaj-art-a3f5aef77268444db7f2048cc15d500e2025-08-20T03:43:11ZengMDPI AGJournal of Ageing and Longevity2673-92592025-02-0151610.3390/jal5010006Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing LossErika Squires0An Dinh1Lori A. Pakulski2Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wayne State University, Main Campus, Detroit, MI 48202, USADepartment of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, The University of Toledo, Main Campus, Toledo, OH 43606, USADepartment of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, The University of Toledo, Main Campus, Toledo, OH 43606, USAAge-related hearing loss is becoming more prevalent as the aging population continues to rise worldwide. Left untreated, hearing loss is a significantly under-reported concern that negatively impacts quality of life including mental health, cognition, and healthcare communication. Since many older adults may not report hearing concerns to their primary physicians, allied healthcare providers (AHPs) have an important role in recognizing communication challenges due to potential hearing loss, screening for hearing issues, and making referrals as needed. Moreover, AHPs may need to address hearing loss, at least temporarily, to provide their services when communication problems are present. The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge and practice patterns of AHPs regarding hearing loss among their patients. Results of a national survey indicated that many AHPs understand the negative implications of unaddressed hearing loss and the importance of hearing screening, but they are unsure of who, when, and how to address it. Consequently, immediate and innovative solutions are offered to AHPs to enhance communication with patients who might have unaddressed hearing loss. Moreover, findings can be used to develop training and policies to ensure that professionals are well positioned to address the complex needs of individuals with unaddressed hearing loss.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9259/5/1/6hearing losslongevityallied healthcare providersquality of lifecommunication |
| spellingShingle | Erika Squires An Dinh Lori A. Pakulski Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing Loss Journal of Ageing and Longevity hearing loss longevity allied healthcare providers quality of life communication |
| title | Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing Loss |
| title_full | Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing Loss |
| title_fullStr | Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing Loss |
| title_full_unstemmed | Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing Loss |
| title_short | Allied Healthcare Providers’ Role in Improving Longevity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Hearing Loss |
| title_sort | allied healthcare providers role in improving longevity and quality of life among patients with hearing loss |
| topic | hearing loss longevity allied healthcare providers quality of life communication |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9259/5/1/6 |
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