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Semin Hear 2017; 38(02): 153-159
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1601570
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA

Hearing and Health Outcomes: Recognizing and Addressing Hearing Loss in Hospitalized Older Adults

Elaine Mormer
1   Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
,
Janet Cipkala-Gaffin
2   University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Shadyside, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
,
Kelsi Bubb
1   Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2   University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Shadyside, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
,
Kelly Neal
2   University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Shadyside, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 May 2017 (online)

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Abstract

As age increases, the prevalence of hearing loss significantly increases, reaching up to 89% of those 80 years and older. Hearing loss in older patients is often unrecognized and its consequences are often underappreciated. Hearing loss can interfere with the ability to exchange important health information and to participate in health care decision-making. Hearing loss during hospitalization increases the risk of misdiagnosis. There is a lack of empirical data regarding prevalence and recognition of hearing loss in hospitalized older adults. In this article, we describe a variety of negative outcomes that may result when older inpatients are functioning with unrecognized hearing loss.

Keywords

Hearing loss - inpatients - health care decision-making - unrecognized hearing loss
 

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