7. HEARING Flashcards
1
Q
HEARING
risk factors
A
males increased age genetic predisposition exposure to noise impacted cerumen smoking, second hand smoke ototoxic medications certain medical conditions
2
Q
HEARING
age related changes
A
- loss of hair cells and neurons
- loss of blood supply
- reduced endolymph production (fluid in the membrane)
- decreased basilar membrane flexibility
- degeneration of spiral ganglions (nerve cells)
3
Q
Hearing impairment types x3
A
- Conductive hearing loss:
abnormalities of external and middle ear interfering with sound production - Sensorineural h loss:
abnormalities of sensory and neural structures of inner ear, usually age related or noise induced - Mixed: involved both conductive and sensorineural loss
4
Q
Pathologic condition:
Tinnitus
A
def: perception of ringing, blowing sound in the absence of acoustic stimulus
- is a symptom of an underlying condition
- associated with ototoxic medications
- worsened by caffeine, alcohol, nicotine
- when unrelated to medications or obvious physical causes, can be classified as “sensorineural tinnitus” (produced by the nervous system)
5
Q
Assessment
A
- otoscopic examination for impacted cerumen
- tuning fork test (webber)
-screening tool: the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE)
high score=hearing loss
- family hx for risks
- attitudes about hearing aids
- impact of hearing impairment on communication and QOL
- behavioural cues to impaired hearing
6
Q
Functional consequences of hearing loss
A
- readiness for enhanced communication
- anxiety
- impaired social interaction
- ineffective coping
- risk for loneliness
- risk for injury
7
Q
Interventions
A
- promote hearing wellness
- teaching about how to address modifiable risk factors (ototoxic meds)
- monitor for removing impacted cerumen
- teaching about hearing aids
- communication techniques
- promoting referrals for audiology services
8
Q
Evaluating interventions
A
- improved ability to communicate
- effective use of hearing aid
- increased participation in social activities
- environmental mods to remove background noise
