Validation of the Norwegian Version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ).

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of the study was to validate the Norwegian translation of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and investigate the SSQ disability profiles in a cochlear implant (CI) user population. METHODS: The study involved 152 adult CI users. The mean age at implantation was 55 (standard deviation [SD] = 16), and the mean CI experience was 5 years (SD = 4.8). The cohort was split into three groups depending on the hearing modality: bilateral CIs (BCIs), a unilateral CI (UCI), and bimodal (CI plus contralateral hearing aid; HCI). The SSQ disability profiles of each group were compared with those observed in similar studies using the English version and other translations of the SSQ. Standard values, internal consistency, sensitivity, and floor and ceiling effects were investigated, and the missing-response rates to specific questions were calculated. Relationships to speech perception were measured using monosyllabic word scores and the Norwegian Hearing in Noise Test scores. RESULTS: In the BCI group, the average scores were around 5.0 for the speech and spatial sections and 7.0 for the qualities section (SD ∼2). The average scores of the UCI and HCI groups were about one point lower than those of the BCI group. The SSQ disability profiles were comparable to the profiles in similar studies. The slopes of the linear regression lines measuring the relationships between the SSQ speech and monosyllabic word scores were 0.8 per 10% increase in the monosyllabic word score for the BCI group (explaining 35% of the variation) and 0.4 for the UCI and HCI groups (explaining 22-23% of the variation). CONCLUSION: The Norwegian version of the SSQ measures hearing disability similar to the original English version, and the internal consistency is good. Differences in the recipients' pre-implantation variables could explain some variations we observed in the SSQ responses, and such predictors should be investigated. Data aggregation will be possible using the SSQ as a routine clinical assessment in global CI populations. Moreover, pre-implantation variables should be systematically registered so that they can be used in mixed-effects models.

Effect of changes in the hearing aid subsidy on the prevalence of hearing loss in South Korea.

Objectives: South Korea's National Health Insurance has provided hearing aids to registered individuals with hearing disabilities since 1989. In 2015, hearing aid subsidies increased to approximately US$1,000. This study aimed to understand hearing loss categories in Korea by analyzing patients between 2010 and 2020 and the effect of the 2015 hearing aid policy change on the prevalence of hearing loss. Methods: The participants were patients registered on the National Health Insurance Service database from 2010 to 2020 with hearing loss. A total of 5,784,429 patients were included in this study. Hearing loss was classified into conductive, sensorineural, and other categories. Patients with hearing loss were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code. Disability diagnosis and hearing aid prescription were defined using the National Health Insurance Disability and Hearing Aid Code. Results: The increase in hearing aid prescriptions and hearing disability registrations following the subsidy increase impacts hearing loss prevalence. Hearing aid prescription and hearing disability were found to have an effect on increasing hearing loss prevalence in univariate and multivariate analyses. The r-value of each analysis exceeded 0.95. Other hearing losses increased rapidly after the increased subsidy. Conclusion: A hearing-impaired individual must be diagnosed with a hearing disability and prescribed a hearing aid to receive the subsidy. The prevalence of hearing loss was affected by increased hearing disabilities following changes in the hearing aid subsidy and the number of people prescribed hearing aids. Therefore, caution should be exercised when studying hearing loss prevalence over mid-long-term periods.

Parent Awareness and Perceived Barriers Regarding Hearing Impairment among School Age Children in Taif Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Hearing impairment (HI) is the most common global disabling condition. It is a considerable public health condition in childhood that is associated with long-term socio-emotional-academic, and communication difficulties. The current study explored the knowledge and awareness of HI among school-age children and its related factor in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 268 Saudi school-age children in the population of the Taif region of Saudi Arabia. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect their demographic data, consanguinity, education level, and academic performance. Results: About 45.9% of parents had good awareness related to hearing loss and its impact on children's life. Only 19% (n = 51) of parents reported that their children encountered language problems in communicating with others. When we assessed the relationship between this language problem and academic performance, it was found that children with language problems had below-average academic performance (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study showed that parents' awareness about children's hearing was not that satisfactory, and there was a considerable amount of difficulties faced by the children in their personal and social life due to these hearing problems. It is imperative to create awareness among the public regarding various modifiable risk factors of HI by conducting health awareness campaigns.

The Effect of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Hearing of Neonates in a Tertiary Healthcare Centre.

Congenital hearing loss is hearing loss present in a child at birth or soon after birth. It is a debilitating condition with the potential for lifelong disability. It is thought to be multifactorial in aetiology with both genetic (autosomal and X-linked) and acquired causes (such as maternal infections, drug intake, trauma). Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a relatively common condition found in pregnant females but is a rather understudied risk factor in terms of congenital hearing loss. GDM is easily treatable which makes the hearing loss due to it easily preventable. (1) Determine correlation between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and congenital hearing loss in neonates. (2) Calculate the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus related congenital hearing loss. A two-step screening process was used for hearing evaluation of neonates with normal mothers (non-exposed) and neonates with mothers suffering from GDM (exposed) through Otoacoustic emission (OAE) and Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). (1) The difference of neonates diagnosed with hearing impairment in exposed and non-exposed group was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.024. OR 2.1538 95% CI 0.6120-7.5796, p < 0.05. (2) Prevalence of hearing loss in neonates of GDM mothers: 13.3%. Through rigorous exclusion of the already known risk factors for congenital hearing loss, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus has been isolated as an independent risk factor for neonatal hearing impairment. We hope to identify additional cases of congenital hearing loss early leading to a decrease in disease burden.

Perceived benefits of cochlear implants by parents: expectations, decision-making process, and barriers to care.

BACKGROUND: Identifying predictive factors of the cochlear implant outcomes in pediatric patients is critical in guiding tailored rehabilitation programs. The study aimed to assess cochlear implant outcomes, identify predictors, and highlight decision-making factors and barriers to quality care. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included parents of children who received unilateral cochlear implants for bilateral severe- to- deep sensorineural hearing loss. Inclusion criteria were age ≤ 5 years and intelligence quotient (IQ) Scores ≥ 85, A pre-designed structured questionnaire was used to collect data from parents/guardians of the children attending follow-up. The Arabic validated Glasgow Children Benefit Inventory score was used to assess the health-related quality of life (QOL) after intervention. RESULTS: The quality of life (QOL) score (outcome) after surgery was positive in all cases. Multivariate analysis showed that the site of operation (Bahtim hospital and Ain Shams Hospital [AOR(95% confidence interval CI), 5.7 (1.4-23), 5 (1.4-17.9), p = 0.015, 0.013, respectively]), education of the father (university/postgraduate [AOR (95% CI): 5 (1.4-17.9), p = 0.013]), the parents' expectation that their child would be able to participate in regular classroom activities [AOR (95% CI): 8.9 (3.7-21.3), p < 0.001], and history of Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), perinatal hypoxia, and low birth weight [AOR (95% CI): 2.5 (1.2-5.1), 3.7 (1.7-8.1), 4.7 (2.1-10.5), p = 0.013, 0.001, ≤ 0.001, respectively] are significant independent predictors of good outcome. CONCLUSION: All parents expressed a positive change in their child's QOL. Almost all parents of children with cochlear implants face many barriers in obtaining quality healthcare services for their children. Parents, especially those with lower schooling, should receive good counselling to increase their confidence in their children's capabilities and maximize benefits of regular follow-up. Improving the quality of healthcare centers is recommended.

Association between hearing loss and trauma based on population data of Korea.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have been conducted to assess the association between hearing loss (HL) and trauma, no studies have analyzed trauma comprehensively based on population-based data. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between HL and trauma in daily life using National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort data of Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: People who were registered with severe or mild hearing disability by the Korean government from 2002 to 2015, were included in this study. Trauma was defined as an outpatient visit or admission under diagnostic codes associated with trauma. The risk for trauma was analyzed using multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: There were 5,114 subjects in the mild hearing disability group and 1,452 in the severe hearing disability group. The risk for trauma was significantly higher in the mild and severe hearing disability groups than in the control group. The risk was higher in the mild hearing disability group than in the severe hearing disability group. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Individuals with hearing disability are at a higher risk for trauma based on population-based data in Korea, which indicates that HL increases the risk for trauma.

Using a decision tree approach to determine hearing aid ownership in older adults.

PURPOSE: The main clinical intervention for older adults with hearing loss is the provision of hearing aids. However, uptake and usage in this population have historically been reported as low. The aim of this study was to understand the hearing loss characteristics, from measured audiometric hearing loss and self-perceived hearing handicap, that contribute to the decision of hearing aid ownership. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2833 adults aged 50+ years, of which 329 reported hearing aid ownership, were involved with a population-based survey with audiometric hearing assessments. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to classify hearing aid ownership from audiometric measurements and hearing disability outcomes. RESULTS: An overall accuracy of 92.5% was found for the performance of the CART analysis in predicting hearing aid ownership from hearing loss characteristics. By including hearing disability, sensitivity for predicting hearing aid ownership increased by up to 40% compared with just audiometric hearing loss measurements alone. CONCLUSIONS: A decision tree approach that considers both objectively measured hearing loss and self-perceived hearing disability, could facilitate a more tailored and personalised approach for determining hearing aid needs in the older population. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWithout intervention, older adults with hearing loss are at higher risk of cognitive decline and higher rates of depression, anxiety, social isolation.The provision of hearing aids can compensate hearing function, however, uptake and usage have been reported as low.Using a more precise cut-off from audiometric measures and self-perceived hearing disability scores could facilitate a tailored and personalised approach to screen and identify older adults for hearing aid needs.

Hearing disability and employment: a population-based analysis using the 2017 Canadian survey on disability.

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of hearing disability on employment rates; examine how various factors are associated with employment; and identify workplace accommodations available to persons with hearing disabilities in Canada.Material and methods: A population-based analysis was done using the data collected through the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD), representing 6 million (n = 6 246 640) Canadians. A subset of the complete dataset was created focusing on individuals with a hearing disability (n = 1 334 520). Weighted descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.Results: In 2017, the employment rates for working-age adults with a hearing disability were 55%. Excellent general health status (OR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.29-4.96) and daily use of the internet (OR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.78-4.10) had the highest positive effect on the employment rates. The top three needed but least available accommodations were communication aids (16%), technical aids (19%), and accessible parking/elevator (21%).Conclusion: Employment rates for persons with a hearing disability are lower than the general population in Canada. Employment outcomes are closely associated with one's general health and digital skills. Lack of certain workplace accommodations may disadvantage individuals with a hearing disability in their employment.Implications for RehabilitationPeople with severe hearing disabilities and those with additional disabilities may need additional and more rigorous services and supports to achieve competitive employment.It is important for the government to improve efforts toward inclusive education and develop strategies that promote digital literacy for job seekers with hearing disabilities.Officials concerned with implementing employment equity policies in Canada should focus on finding strategies that enable employees to have supportive conversations with their employers regarding disability disclosure and obtaining required accommodations.

Intervenção educativa em um estudante com deficiência intelectual, visual, auditiva e motora / Intervención educativa en un estudiante con discapacidad intelectual, visual, auditiva y motriz / An educational intervention in a student with intellectual, visual, hearing and motor disabilities

En este trabajo se presenta el diseño, la implementación y la evaluación de un programa de intervención educativa para un estudiante con diagnóstico de hipoacusia severa, ceguera congénita, discapacidad intelectual y motriz. La finalidad de la intervención es mejorar la conexión del niño con el entorno y trabajar la anticipación de acontecimientos en su vida diaria. Para ello se trabajan principalmente tres áreas de desarrollo: adaptativa, motora y cognitiva. Los resultados obtenidos en las evaluaciones pretest y postest reflejan ligeras mejoras en los tres ámbitos tras la intervención, y por tanto, una evolución en la edad de desarrollo del estudiante. Algunas de las conclusiones más relevantes son que el trabajo individualizado con personas con discapacidad múltiple influye positivamente en su desarrollo, y que existe una falta de instrumentos de evaluación estandarizados que se adapten a las características de las personas con discapacidades múltiples y severas.

Neste estudo apresenta-se a configuração, a implementação e a avaliação de um programa de intervenção educativa para um estudante com diagnóstico de hipoacusia severa, cegueira congênita, deficiência intelectual e motora. A finalidade da intervenção é melhorar a conexão da criança com o entorno e trabalhar a antecipação de acontecimentos em sua vida diária. Para isso trabalham-se principalmente três áreas de desenvolvimento: adaptativa, motora e cognitiva. Os resultados obtidos nas avaliações pré-teste e pós-teste indicam melhora nos três âmbitos após a intervenção, e por tanto, uma leve evolução na idade de desenvolvimento do estudante. Algumas das conclusões mais relevantes são que o trabalho individualizado com pessoas com deficiência múltipla influi positivamente em seu desenvolvimento, e que existe uma falta de instrumentos de avaliação estandardizadas que se adaptem às características das pessoas com deficiências múltiplas e severas.

This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of an educational intervention program for a student with a diagnosis of severe hearing loss, congenital blindness and intellectual and motor disability. The aim of the intervention is to improve the child's connection with the environment and to work on anticipating events in his daily life. For that purpose, three areas of development are mainly worked: adaptive, motor and cognitive. The results obtained in pretest and posttest evaluation reflect slight improvements in the three areas after the intervention, and therefore, an evolution in the student's developmental age. Some of the most relevant conclusions are that individualized work with people with multiple disabilities positively influences their development, and that there is a lack of standardized assessment instruments adapted to the characteristics of people with multiple and severe disabilities.

Behavioral compliance with preventive health measures for students with and without hearing disability during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Hearing loss affects over 1.5 billion individuals worldwide. Their disability and limited access to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic information make them suffer a greater degree than ordinary people. However, the quantitative studies on the implementation of behavior compliance with preventive health measures for vulnerable groups such as people with hearing disability were limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the compliance with pandemic-related protective health measures among people with hearing disability. Design: A cross-sectional survey, population-based cohort study of students aged 12-26 years with and without hearing disability was conducted. Behavioral compliance with preventive health measures was collected from the general education institutions and special education schools using an online questionnaire. Logistic regression and structural equation model were used to determine the associations among the demographic variables, different degrees of mental health status and psychological impacts, and preventive health behaviors. Results: Among 1,589 participants, 485 (30.5%) students are with hearing disability (SHD), and 1,104 (69.5%) students with normal hearing (SNH). The SHD has a significantly lower degree of behavioral compliance with the preventive health measures than SNH has. Hearing disability and anxiety [odds ratio (OR) = 1.54-1.76, p < 0.05] are risk factors for avoiding sharing of utensils during mealtime. Hearing disability, male sex, father's education level, mother's profession, bedtime after 11:00 p.m., anxiety, and depression (OR = 1.45-2.95, p < 0.05) are risk factors for hand hygiene. Male sex (OR = 2.13, p < 0.001) is risk factor and being aged below 18 years old (OR = 0.62, p = 0.03) is protective factor for wearing masks. Exercise (OR = 0.32-0.70, p < 0.01) is the most protective factor for preventive health behaviors. Mediating effect of mental health status and psychological impacts between hearing level and the compliance with the preventive health measures was -0.044 (95% CI: -0.068 to -0.027). Conclusions: To reduce the risk of contraction, update pandemic information, essential communication services, extra assistance, and support should be provided to these disabled persons who are more susceptible to a public health emergency.

Electroacoustic Evaluation of Smartphone-Based Hearing Aid Applications.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the electroacoustic characteristics of smartphone-based hearing aid applications (apps). METHODS: We investigated hearing aid apps based on processing delay measurements, hearing instrument testing, simulated real ear measurements, and a head-and-torso simulator. RESULTS: Many apps exceeded the recommended level for processing delay. Hearing instrument testing showed the highest amplification characteristics and the best sound quality when a hearing aid was used, followed by the high-end apps and then the low-end apps. The simulated real ear measurements results showed that the high-end apps had a better ability to match the amplification targets than the low-end apps, but there was no consistent pattern among apps when controlling the output. Only a few apps could improve the signal-to-noise ratio in the head-and-torso simulator. CONCLUSION: Most of the apps showed relatively poor electroacoustic performance in comparison with hearing aids. Generalizing access to hearing care through hearing aid apps induces a wide diversity of hearing performance with no fixed standard for reliability. However, we expect their overall quality to improve over the next few years.

The Spanish 12-item version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale (Sp-SSQ12): adaptation, reliability, and discriminant validity for people with and without hearing loss.

PURPOSE: Because of the limited number of Spanish validated questionnaires available to assess auditory functionality in daily life situations in adults, the purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and the reliability of the Spanish version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing 12 items scale (sp-SSQ12), adapted from the published Spanish SSQ49, and to provide reference data for normal and hearing-impaired populations. METHODS: The SSQ12 is a self-report questionnaire, consisting of 12 items assessing a range of daily life listening situations. One hundred fifty adults (101 female) with a mean age of 53.9 years (SD 20.3; range 20-88 years) took part in the study. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, validity, and floor and ceiling effects were investigated. RESULTS: The sp-SSQ12 questionnaire had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95) and test-retest scores were highly correlated (ICC = 0.79). There was minimal evidence of floor and ceiling effects in our sample. Significant differences were observed overall and for the three subscales between normal and hearing-impaired groups. Although some significant differences in SSQ12 scores between groups of participants from different countries, these differences were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The sp-SSQ12 questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool that is easy to administer and requires a short time to answer. We recommend the use of this tool for the assessment of functional hearing in the Spanish-speaking population.Implication for rehabilitationHearing loss impacts people's lives in a number of ways that are captured in the SSQ.The sp-SSQ12 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing everyday listening abilities and limitations experienced by Spanish-speaking adults with hearing loss.The sp-SSQ12 can be incorporated in the hearing rehabilitation process as a tool for evaluating and improving hearing assessment and rehabilitation programs.The sp-SSQ12 can help to identify adults who require a comprehensive hearing assessment.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals with Hearing and Visual Disabilities during the First Pandemic Wave in Italy.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed radical behavioral and social changes in the general population, significantly impacting the lives of individuals affected by disabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on non-institutionalized subjects with sensorineural disabilities during the first COVID-19 wave in Italy. METHODS: A 39-item online national survey was disseminated from 1 April 2020 to 31 June 2020 via social media throughout Italy to communities of individuals with proven severe sensorineural disabilities, affiliated to five national patient associations. The survey collected extensive information on the socio-demographic profile, health, everyday activities, and lifestyle of individuals with hearing and visual disabilities. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-three respondents with hearing (66.9%) and visual (33.1%) disabilities returned a usable questionnaire. The mean age of interviewees was 38.4 ± 20.2 years and 56.3% of them were females. Despite the vast majority of respondents (77.9%) perceiving their health status as unchanged (68.8% of interviewees with hearing deficits vs. 96.3% of those with visual impairments), about half the interviewees reported sleep disorders during lock-down, more likely those with visual deficits. Remote services were seemingly more effective for business than school activities. Furthermore, although just 18.8% of respondents rated remote rehabilitation care unsatisfactory, only 12.8% of interviewees felt supported by health and social services during the COVID-19 emergency. The vast majority of respondents were concerned about the future and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 contagion, particularly individuals with hearing impairments. Among the various risk mitigation measures, facemasks caused the greatest discomfort due to communication barriers, particularly among interviewees affected by hearing disabilities (92.2% vs. 45.7%). The most common request (46.5%) of respondents to reduce the inconveniences of the COVID-19 emergency country lock-down was improving the access to and delivery of health and social services for individuals with sensorineural disabilities (19.3%), followed by the use of transparent masks (17.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Although health protection measures such as face masks and social distancing play a key role in preventing and controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the unmet needs of disabled individuals should be carefully considered, especially those affected by sensory disabilities. Tailored access to health and social services for individuals affected by sensorineural disabilities should be implemented. Additional actions should include the use of to face masks to reduce communication barriers linked to hearing-impairment, as well as the improvement of remote services, especially distance learning at school.

[Construction of Pre-clinical Practice and Survey of Consciousness for Pharmacy Students with Hearing Disability].

Various types of pre-learning-including pre-learning for practical training-provide pharmacy students with practical training and sufficient knowledge, skills, and attitudes for practical work. Opportunities in the medical field, including for pharmacists, have been greatly expanded for students with a hearing disability, and we have responded with appropriate training for such students. In this study, we report on the results of an evaluation of a survey on the preparatory training conducted by the students and the changes in their consciousness, such as in their level of understanding, knowledge, and self-confidence. Before the training, the participants' anxiety concerning items related to dispensing and communication were quite high; after the training, however, these anxiety levels were reduced. In addition, we were able to encourage the participant's concern for people and to face the difficulty of expressing words in letters, as well as to drive enthusiasm for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and practical training. These results suggest that having a teacher as an assistant is useful for helping students with hearing disability in practical training.

Reproductive and Sexual Health in Males with Physical, Hearing, and Vision Disabilities.

Objective This study aimed to determine reproductive health, sexual functions, and sexual satisfaction levels of males with disabilities. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design and was conducted on 136 males with disabilities. Data was collected using an introduction form, International Index of Erectile Function, the Erectile Performance Anxiety Index (EPAI), the Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP), and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS). Results: The total EPAI score was 19.86 ± 8.98(10-50), the total PEP score was 9.91 ± 4.20(0-16) and the total SSS score was 86.79 ± 18.20(44-119). Conclusions: Education and counseling on reproductive and sexual health should be given based on their individual needs.

Effects of Hearing Disability on the Employment Status Using WHODAS 2.0 in Taiwan.

The aim of this study was to explore the association between employment status and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, Second Edition (WHODAS 2.0) scores of working-age subjects with hearing impairment. The data of 18,573 working-age subjects (age ≥ 18 and <65 years) with disabling hearing impairment were obtained from the Taiwan Data Bank of Persons with Disability (TDPD) for the period from 11 July 2012 to 31 October 2018. Demographic data and WHODAS 2.0 scores for each domain were analyzed to identify their relationship with employment status. Unemployed subjects with disabling hearing impairment had higher WHODAS 2.0 scores in all domains compared with the employed subjects. Binary logistic regression revealed that older age, female sex, lower educational level, institutional residence, rural residence, lower family income, and moderate to severe impairment were more strongly associated with unemployment status. The data in this large population-based study offer comprehensive information on important factors associated with the employment status of people with disabling hearing impairment. Early identification of risks of unemployment of patients with hearing impairment can raise awareness for aggressive community and government campaigns regarding public health to improve the self-confidence, social participation, and related psycho-social wellbeing of people.

Prevalence and determinants of hearing disability among older persons in Malaysia: Finding of National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018.

AIM: An aging population is a potential burden for unprepared developing countries. Malaysia is foreseen to be an aging country by 2035. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hearing disability among older persons in Malaysia. METHODS: Data from a nationwide survey implemented using a stratified cluster sampling design were analyzed. This study was carried out through face-to-face interviews and guided questionnaires. The questions were based on the Washington Group of Disability (WG) questionnaires, which produce multiple disability identifiers. Hearing disability is defined as at least one domain or question out of four questions coded as "A lot of difficulty" or "Cannot hear at all". RESULTS: The prevalence of hearing disability among older persons aged ≥60 years was 6.4% (95% CI 5.0-8.3), whereas 1.5% (95% CI 0.90, 2.50) older persons were reported to be using a hearing aid. The determinants of hearing disability are being male (aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.94-3.66), being unemployed (retired, homemaker, unemployed; aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.86-4.14) and had no formal education (aOR 18.25, 95% CI 4.18-79.55). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting healthy aging is important and crucial for Malaysia, in preparation toward an aging nation, as it could reduce the country's financial burden in the long term. Health-related agencies should promote health awareness and treatment centers in relation to hearing disability among older persons, as they should be educated and informed about healthcare choices availability, which is aligned with the Global Disability Action Plan 2014-2021. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 43-48.

["I follow lessons in the same way as other students"]. / « Je suis les cours de la même façon que les autres élèves ¼.

Deaf and a health professional, so what? For 22-year-old Emma, disability is no obstacle to achieving her ambitions. Although far from easy, her experience has so far been positive. The key? Adapted support, enlightened trainers and unwavering motivation. Interview.

[Survey of Pharmacists' Knowledge, Actions and Confidence in Medication Education to Patients with Hearing Disabilities].

Health professionals should adopt best practices that are cognizant of the communication skills of their patients. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable about hearing disabilities to effectively provide medication education to deaf and hard-of-hearing (HH) patients. The Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities requires pharmacists to take the appropriate actions to their patients. However, awareness about the appropriate actions for eliminate discrimination has not increased among medical professionals. This survey examined the knowledge about hearing disabilities, practice of appropriate actions and confidence in medication education to deaf and HH patients on 216 pharmacists in Yahata Pharmaceutical Association in November 2019. Pharmacists had poor awareness about hearing disabilities and about 30% of participants misunderstood appropriate actions in communication to deaf and HH patients. Practice of appropriate action in medication education were taken by only about half of the participants. In particular, placing Ear symbol had not be taken at all. Participants felt that they could provide medication education sufficiently by written materials in spite of poor understanding about the literacy of deaf individuals. On the other hand, they felt unconfident due to lack of understanding about hearing disabilities and how to communicate with their patients. This survey suggests that pharmacists need to learn about hearing disabilities for effective communication and practice of appropriate action in medication education to patients with hearing disabilities. Learning hearing disabilities may enable them to take the actions that are necessary to eliminate discrimination and enhance their confidence in providing medication education.

Surdez e preconceito: revisando a produção científica / Deafness and prejudice: reviewing the scientific production / La sordera y prejuicio: revisión de la producción científica

Este estudo objetivou compreender de que modo a surdez e o preconceito vêm sendo investigados na literatura científica nacional. Para isso, realizouse uma revisão nos periódicos, mais especificamente nas bases de dados Portal Scielo e Pepsic, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2016, num total de 15 artigos analisados. Os resultados e a discussão tratam da análise bibliométrica e da análise de conteúdo. Percebe-se que a maioria dos trabalhos são qualitativos. Apesar de a visão socioantropológica ter ganhado espaço, a visão clínico-terapêutica ainda é presente e, por causa disso, preconceitos, humilhações e discriminações são sentidos pelos surdos, que não preenchem o padrão de normalidade imposto pela maioria, ouvinte. Pode-se concluir que há um longo percurso a ser trilhado para familiares, profissionais e pesquisadores desenvolverem a temática e conscientizarem a população, objetivando mitigar o preconceito ainda existente.

This study aimed to understand how deafness and prejudice have been investigated in Brazilian scientific literature. To that end, a review was carried out in the periodicals, more specifically in the Scielo and Pepsic website databases, from January 2006 to December 2016, in a total of fifteen articles were analyzed. The results and the discussion are about bibliometric and content analysis. It Is realized that the majority of the works are qualitative. Although the socio-anthropological view has gained ground, the therapeutic clinical view is still present, and, because of this, prejudices, humiliations and discrimination are felt by the deaf, who do not meet the standard of normality imposed by the majority, the listeners. It can be concluded that there is a long way to go for family members, professionals, and researchers to develop the theme and raise awareness of the population, to mitigate the prejudice that still exists.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender cómo la sordera y los prejuicios están siendo investigados en la literatura científica nacional. Para eso, se llevó a cabo una revisión en periódicos, más específicamente en las bases de datos Scielo portal y Pepsic, entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2016, un total de quince artículos analizados. Los resultados y el debate se ocupan del análisis bibliométrico y análisis de contenido. Se observa que la mayoría de los trabajos son cualitativos. Aunque la visión socio-antropológica haya ganado terreno, la visión médico-terapéutica todavía está presente y, debido a eso, los prejuicios, la humillación y la discriminación son experimentados por los sordos que no cumplen con los estándares de normalidad impuestos por la mayoría, oyente. Se puede concluir que hay un largo camino a ser recorrido por las familias, profesionales e investigadores para desarrollar el tema y concientizar a la población, con el objetivo de mitigar los prejuicios que aún existen.