Cognition and Screening for Hearing Loss in Nursing Home Residents

Abstract

To compare hearing screening results using pure tones and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) with nursing home residents who have dementia and explore the relationship of hearing impairment and cognitive function using the Mini- Mental Status Evaluation (MMSE). A correlational design was implemented to evaluate residents in a large inner city nursing home. One hundred one nursing home residents 65-108 years. DPOAEs and pure tone screenings were conducted at 30 dB HL and 40 dB HL at 1, 2, and 3 kHz. Pure tone thresholds at 1, 2, and 3 kHz were obtained. The MMSE was administered to all participants. Results showed that all residents failed the DPOAE screen, 97.1% failed at 30 dB HL, and 90.0% failed at 40 dB HL. Kendall's tau, phi correlation, linear by linear association, and χ(2) results indicated no significant relationship for any of the screening protocols and cognitive status other than a significant finding with left ear screening at 40 dB HL. Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals who passed the screen had better MMSE scores. Results of the t test and Mann-Whitney U test revealed a significant difference in cognitive function for residents with a mild hearing loss compared with those with a more significant hearing loss. For screening nursing home residents, 40 dB HL screening level or DPOAEs can be used. The significant finding that residents with greater than a mild hearing loss have poorer cognitive function reinforces the importance of identifying residents with a hearing loss and providing rehabilitation and follow-up.