Differentiation and Screening for Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline in Occupational Therapy Practice

After arthritis and hypertension, hearing loss ranks as the third most prevalent chronic health condition impacting the older adult population. Research is currently exploring a possible relationship between cognitive decline and hearing loss. Cognitive decline and hearing loss present with similar signs and symptoms, including repetition or reinstruction requests, frustration, depression, and social withdrawal. Occupational therapists, nationally, are being surveyed regarding knowledge of best practice with patients experiencing hearing loss and dementia. National survey data will be made available in March 2019. However; the Montana clinicians’ data reported concerns about a patient’s cognitive function (100%) and hearing ability (88%). 94% percent had received instruction administering cognitive screening tests, while 85% could interpret results. 91% had not received audiometer operation instructions; 88% could not interpret an audiogram. Audiologists collaborating with occupational therapists could help ensure best practice