Validation of the Hearing and Functioning in Everyday Life Questionnaire for Cognitively impaired Older Adults

What is this Study about?

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition among people 65 and older and increases the risk of social isolation, depression, communication difficulties and dementia. Dementia risk may be reduced through hearing rehabilitation, and it is critical to develop tools for identifying hearing loss and its impact on communication. The Hearing and Functioning in Everyday Life Questionnaire (HFEQ) is a measure to identify hearing loss and everyday life functioning, not yet been evaluated for people with combined hearing loss and cognitive impairment. To bridge this gap, the aim is to evaluate the HFEQ for this group. The study has a cross-sectional observational study design. Adults over 60 years, with hearing loss and with and without cognitive impairment will be recruited. Data collection will include a cognitive and hearing assessment, assessment of conversation effectiveness and efficiency, hearing and general health history and five questionnaires (HFEQ, the Life-Space questionnaire, the Social Functioning in Dementia scale, and the PROMIS anxiety and depression scales).

What Will Happen in This Study?

What will you do?

• Attend 1-2 sessions at Western University or your home (if mobility is a concern). The first session is 1-1.5 hours long. The second session is 2.5-3 hours. You can combine them if you prefer!

• Complete hearing tests, cognitive assessments, a conversation task and five questionnaires

• You will be compensated for your time, and all travel costs will be covered

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

• Are 60 years or older

• Have hearing loss

• Experience cognitive complaints (subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia) or,

• Experience no changes in cognitive function

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