Organization: International Society of Audiology, shared with Union of European Phoniatricians, Intern. Soc. of Communic. Sciences & Disord., and Univ. of Muenster
Project title: A high prevalence of undetected hearing loss in people with intellectual disabilities requires hearing screening, diagnosis, and intervention programs
Primary region: EUR
Country: Germany
Event Description:
This webinar aims to change mindsets about hearing care for people with intellectual disabilities. They are more likely than the general population to have hearing loss, which usually goes undetected and untreated. A German population-based study investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of an outreach program with repeated hearing screenings, diagnoses and interventions in 1052 people with intellectual disabilities in their living environment (kindergartens, schools, homes, workplaces). Hearing loss was diagnosed in 42% of cases, 68% of which were previously unknown. Hospital invitations for the same procedure in a control cohort were not accepted. Certain comorbidities, e.g. hypertension, frequently co-occurred with hearing loss. Its severity correlated significantly with hearing-related quality of life, but recommended therapies were poorly implemented. Regular outreach programs are feasible, useful and can improve the social participation of people with hearing loss. However, hearing rehabilitation with communication training for those affected involving their caregivers is crucial for success.
Submitter: Katrin Neumann