Management of Hearing Impairment Flashcards
What kind hearing support are available in NHS?
- behind ear hearing aids
- communicators: portable microphone, where the pt wears corresponding headphones
- programmes/loops/coupling: allowing direct transmission of info e.g phone, public announcements etc to the hearing aid to remove background noise artefacts
What tactics may aid communication for hearing impaired people?
good communication even more important to consider
well illuminated room if they may be inadvertently lip-reading
have good lip shapes e.g. don’t obstruct by chewing pen for e.g
What is a Roger pen?
portable microphone
allows enrichment of signal and reduction of background noise
How many people are affected by tinnitus?
30-40% of adults will experience
1:10 adults have persistent tinnitus
(of which 10% - this will have significant impact on life quality)
2/3 will have tinnitus associated HL (but equally obvs can also have no associated HL)
What descriptors of tinnitus are important to look out for in the history?
- pulsatile (particularly if in line with HR)
- unilateral tinnitus: red flag
What is dysacusis?
painful hearing loss
Why does stress increase tinnitus?
activation of SNS
more NA signalling
exacerbate anxiety Sx and make tinnitus worse
What investigations should be considered in examination with pt with tinnitus?
- tuning fork tests
- auscultation of ears, head and neck (bruits)
- cranial nerve
- audiometry
What is the Mx of tinnitus?
investigate if indicated/appropriate
- advice/reassurance
- sound enrichment
- relaxation
- referral for hearing therapy
- hearing aids
KEY: how does it affect pt’s life?
