To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured hearing loss education program for visiting nurses caring for older adults.
Key Findings:
Nurses in the intervention group were over eight times more likely to implement hearing screening compared to controls.
The intervention improved knowledge and confidence in hearing care practices.
Statistically significant improvements were observed in all six confidence measures related to hearing care.
Interpretation:
The structured educational intervention significantly enhanced the implementation of hearing screening among visiting nurses, addressing a critical gap in geriatric care.
Limitations:
Baseline knowledge was slightly higher in the intervention group.
Facilities in the intervention group were more likely to employ speech therapists.
The study was conducted in a single Japanese prefecture, limiting generalizability.
Lack of blinding and use of investigator-developed outcome measures.
Conclusion:
Integrating structured hearing care training into visiting nurse education can improve hearing screening uptake, addressing untreated hearing loss in older adults.
