Identifying educational interventions aimed at improving communication with older adults with age-related hearing loss: a scoping review and thematic analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review summarises existing interventions aimed at educating individuals without hearing loss to enhance their communication with older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss (ARHL).

DESIGN

Data collection employed a systematic search approach as per the guidelines of Arksey & O'Malley, and followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

STUDY SELECTION: A structured search was conducted involving four research databases from 2000 to 2023, with additional grey literature searching. Original papers written in English, reporting the design and implementation of educational interventions targeting communication with older adults with ARHL, were included. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to intervention type and methodology, and key findings.

RESULTS

13 eligible intervention studies were identified and summarised. Four main themes were described: (1) education and communication skills training; (2) mode of intervention delivery; (3) appropriateness of the intervention and satisfaction among participants; (4) transforming attitudes on hearing loss for better relationships and emotional well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

The link between hearing loss and diminished quality of life in older adults with ARHL highlights the importance of ongoing development of innovative educational programmes targeting effective communication in diverse settings, including clinical environments.