PP110 - Hearing loss and Hearing Aid Education Among Caregivers in an Adult Assisted Living Facility

Abstract: Hearing loss is common among older adults in assisted living facilities, yet many residents struggle to use hearing aids effectively, reducing communication and quality of life. This study evaluates an educational intervention aimed at improving caregivers’ knowledge and confidence in managing hearing loss and hearing aids. The intervention includes English and Spanish pamphlets covering hearing loss signs, hearing aid use, maintenance, and communication strategies. Pre- and post-intervention surveys will assess caregiver learning. Improved caregiver education is expected to enhance hearing aid use, foster better communication, and reduce social isolation among residents.

Summary: Hearing loss is common among older adults in assisted living facilities, yet many residents struggle to manage and use their hearing aids effectively. This often contributes to reduced communication, social withdrawal, and diminished quality of life. A key factor underlying these challenges is the limited training and knowledge of caregivers, who play a vital role in supporting residents’ auditory health. Enhancing caregiver understanding of hearing loss and hearing aid management could help improve resident outcomes and foster more inclusive communication within care facilities.
This study implemented a structured educational intervention for caregivers in an assisted living facility. The intervention consisted of an educational trifold pamphlet, available in English and Spanish, covering key topics such as identifying signs of hearing loss, understanding hearing aid styles and functions, maintaining and troubleshooting hearing aids, and applying practical communication strategies. Participants included caregivers of diverse ages and lengths of employment at an assisted living facility, Astoria Park, in Pasadena, California. Approximately 15–20 caregivers employed at the facility were recruited during work hours to participate. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing caregivers’ knowledge, confidence, and perceived competence in managing residents’ hearing needs. All materials were provided in printed form, and participants were given one week to return the completed surveys to the researcher. All collected data were kept confidential and anonymous. Physical survey data were later transferred to the online platform Qualtrics™, which was used for descriptive and comparative analyses.
Preliminary results indicate that caregivers demonstrated significant improvements in both knowledge and confidence following the intervention. Participants reported that the educational pamphlet was informative and useful in their daily interactions with residents. Enhanced understanding of hearing aid functionality and communication strategies appeared to contribute to better support for residents, promoting more consistent hearing aid use and improved auditory health management within the facility. A few caregivers noted that the survey increased their own awareness of personal hearing difficulties, highlighting broader benefits of hearing health education beyond resident care. A few caregivers so far have noted that the survey increased their own awareness of personal hearing difficulties, highlighting broader benefits of hearing health education beyond resident care
By addressing the knowledge gap among caregivers, this educational initiative has the potential to enhance residents’ quality of life. Improved caregiver competence in hearing aid care and communication may reduce social isolation, promote engagement in daily activities, and strengthen relationships within assisted living environments through increased hearing aid use. The findings from this study could inform future training programs and highlight the importance of integrating hearing health education into caregiver professional development across residential facilities. Ongoing training and follow-up support may help sustain the benefits of this initiative, while broader implementation of caregiver hearing education could further strengthen communication and quality of life for older adults in diverse care settings.