Considering Age-Related Hearing Loss in Neuropsychological Practice: Findings from a Feasibility Study.

ABSTRACTHearing loss is highly prevalent in older adults and can pose challenges for neuropsychologists, as assessment and intervention procedures often involve orally presented information which must be accurately heard. This project examined the hearing status of 20 clients (mean age = 71 years) in a hospital-based outpatient neuropsychology clinic, and explored whether information about hearing loss informed neuropsychologists' clinical practice. A research assistant administered a brief hearing screening test to each participant. Four treating neuropsychologists were asked to comment on their client's hearing status before and after being shown their client's hearing screen test results. Screening revealed that the majority of participants had at least mild hearing loss, and that the neuropsychologists were relatively accurate (60%) at estimating their clients' hearing status. Neuropsychologists used information about a client's hearing status to make recommendations that clients pursue audiologic services, and to educate clients and family members about hearing loss and communication.

Rural and nonrural differences in providing care for children with complex chronic conditions.

To better understand the challenges faced by primary care providers in rural locations in providing care for children with complex chronic conditions (CCC), the authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary care providers (N = 132), including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, in community settings in 6 counties in northwest North Carolina. Pediatric practices were significantly less likely to be located in rural areas. Practices in rural areas were more likely to be small, with fewer staff members (odds ratio [OR] = 7) and providers (OR = 15) compared with practices in nonrural areas. Additionally, nonrural practices were 3 times as likely as rural practices to have a larger clientele of children with CCC. A majority of primary care providers (77%) reported difficulty caring for children with CCC. Strategies for supporting primary care providers are needed to enable them to provide care for the growing number of children with CCC.