Estimating the prevalence of hearing loss in people with dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Estimating the prevalence of hearing loss in people with dementia: A feasibility study
IRAS ID
334240
Contact name
Hannah Cross
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 2 days
Research summary
As we age, the risk of experiencing both dementia and hearing issues rises. Untreated hearing loss in individuals with dementia can worsen confusion, depression, and loneliness and exacerbate dementia symptoms. It is unknown how common (prevalent) hearing loss is in people with dementia in the UK.
In the future, we aim to conduct a large UK-wide study to determine the prevalence of hearing loss in people with dementia and understand why some cases go unnoticed or untreated. Before launching this study, we are conducting feasibility testing, addressing key questions:
Are at-home hearing tests using Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA; responding when able to hear a tone) acceptable for people with dementia? and if not, how can we improve the tests?
Can we reliably test the hearing of people with dementia ('test-retest reliability') using PTA?
How likely is it to find and retain participants with dementia for the study?
How many participants in our sample have hearing loss?
Why might hearing loss go unnoticed or untreated in people with dementia, informing methods to improve hearing care for this population?
To answer these questions, approximately 35 people with dementia will be recruited through their NHS trust or
undergo two 1 hour at-home standard hearing tests, including case history discussions, ear inspections, earwax removal if required and PTA. Participants can end the test at any time for any reason and the audiologist will be dementia-aware. The test will be adapted to the person's needs and abilities.
One-time telephone/zoom interviews (1 hour) will be conducted with around 45 people, including people with dementia, caregivers, and hearing healthcare professionals. People with any type of dementia living in the community or care homes, of any age and hearing ability, will be eligible.This research is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research's Manchester Biomedical Centre.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
24/WA/0076
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion