Eye on the elderly. Screening for hearing loss, risk of falls: a hassle-free approach.

Full Abstract

Simply asking elderly patients whether they have trouble hearing is an effective start to screening for hearing loss. Refer elderly patients with suspected hearing impairment for audiologic diagnosis and nonmedical rehabilitation treatment, including hearing aids. To assess a patient's risk of falling, review gait, balance disorders, weakness, environmental hazards, and medications.

Author information

Author/s: Johnson, Carole E (CE); Newman, Craig W (CW); Danhauer, Jeffrey L (JL); Williams, Victoria A (VA);

Affiliation: Department of Communication Disorders, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. johns19(-atsign-)auburn.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: The Journal of family practice (J Fam Pract), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 58 (issue 9) : pp 471-7

Dates: Created 2009/09/11; Completed 2009/09/29;

PMID: 19744414, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/29/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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