Hearing loss is identified as a prevalent age-related disorder. It is estimated to affect 1 in every 3 adults aged 65 and older, making it the 4th leading cause of years lived with disability in the global population as identified by the World Health Organization. Hearing loss causes debilitating consequences on functional ability, social and emotional well-being among elderly. Deteriorations in hearing impact on the elderly persons’ ability to communicate with others, which in turn result in feelings of frustration, isolation, and loneliness. Hearing loss also causes reduced cognitive stimulation, and thus was recently recognised as the most prominent potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia.

Age-related hearing loss is irreversible in nature. The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care recommended management of hearing loss for dementia risk reduction, as well as “help(ing) people wear hearing aids… ”
The objectives of this project are

To develop a rehabilitation programme for adults with acquired hearing loss
To allow professionals to facilitate the reduction of communication and hearing difficulties experienced by people with hearing loss in everyday life
To improve the quality of life and well-being of people with hearing loss

Adults with hearing loss will be provided with communication strategies to cope better in everyday life, and to become more effective communicators. This will supplement the hearing aids that some of the participants are consistently wearing. For those who do not have the habit to consistently use their hearing aids yet, their acceptance and adaptation of hearing aids among will also be enhanced.

Population-based research put estimates of around 100,000 demented population in Hong Kong, and the local population is projected to be rapidly ageing over the next few decades. The Lancet Commission formally recognised that hearing loss is contributing to the highest population attributable fraction of 8.2% for dementia, indicating that if hearing loss as a risk factor can be eliminated, there can be an 8.2% prevalence reduction in dementia. The consistent use of hearing aid in everyday life has been suggested as a protective factor in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Older adults with hearing lossTheir communication partners / family members Healthcare professionals serving adult population with hearing loss, including audiologists, speech therapists, medical practitioners

2021

Active Ageing, Healthcare, Well-being