Assessing memory in older adults in hearing aid appointments
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study on feasibility of cognitive assessment in Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospital UCLH Trust (RNENTH) hearing aid clinics
IRAS ID
302975
Contact name
Rohani Omar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Hospitals
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 30 days
Research summary
Both hearing loss and dementia are common in older people and recent research has shown that hearing impairment may increase the risk of developing dementia. However it is currently uncommon in NHS hearing aid clinics to assess for memory problems. We know that getting help early for such problems is important in improving and maintaining quality of life. A short memory assessment with older people attending these clinics could allow us to discover any relevant concerns. Knowing this may help with both hearing aid appointments and for prompting early appropriate help beyond these.
The proposed study will examine whether introducing a brief memory assessment in older adults attending the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospital’s hearing aid clinics is achievable and acceptable to patients. The check will screen for potential problems, it is not intended as a full-scale memory assessment. We will observe how it can be organised, how long it takes, what both patient and audiologist experience is, note how the results affect any follow-on appointments in the clinic and, if relevant, monitor what further steps are taken outside the hearing aid pathway. Anyone aged 65 years or over presenting to hearing aid clinics at UCLH will be eligible and the study will last for 6 months.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0180
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion