Abstract
Background Hearing impairment is common in elderly patients. Stroke inpatients frequently have communication difficulties, and the combination of aphasia and hearing loss may affect patient outcomes. This pilot study assessed the use of Amplified Hearing Aids (AHA) in stroke patients with hearing impairment (SPHI).
Methods All stroke patients admitted to a tertiary hospital were screened for hearing impairment using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIES). Eligible patients were alternately assigned standard care, or the intervention of a set of AHA. Patient experience during their hospital stay was assessed using the modified Australian Hospital Patient Experience Question Set (AHPEQS). Length of stay and participation in rehabilitation were recorded. Treating healthcare staff also completed a survey on perceived benefit of AHA.
Results 16 patients were in the control group and 16 patients received AHA. The intervention group performed better on 6/8 AHPEQS items, but this was not significant. There was no significant difference in length of stay or participation in rehabilitation. Most patients found the AHA useful and would prefer them in future admissions. Allied health (n=10), scored AHA highly for ease of use (8.9/10), assistance in communication with patients (8.3), usefulness in participation in rehabilitation (8.1) and interest in future use (9.1)
Conclusion This pilot study suggests SPHI, and their treating team find AHA useful in improving communication and were keen to use them in the future. AHA were easy to use, inexpensive and improved patient experience. Larger studies are needed to confirm this result.
