Abstract
Aims. To (a) determine the extent to which primary care providers screen adults
for environmental or occupational hearing loss during the primary care visit and
(b) determine what techniques are used to screen for hearing loss in the adult
primary care patient.
Background. Although the prevalence of hearing loss is high, the frequency and
techniques of screening for hearing loss among primary care providers are unknown.
According to the United States Preventative Task Force, hearing screening promotes
early detection, adequate treatment, and improved quality of life.
Design. It is a retrospective audit.
Methods. Thirty client records were randomly selected from two clinics in 2009
for this retrospective patient record audit.
Results/findings. Physical assessment of the structure of the auditory system was
completed in all cases selected. Hearing acuity in all cases was determined by
patient self-assessment, as indicated on patient-completed history forms; there
was no documentation of objective assessment of auditory function.
Conclusion. Given the low correlation between perceived and measured hearing
ability, assessment of hearing ability by patient report alone may result in failure
to detect hearing loss. Research into the nature and extent of barriers to hearing
assessment in primary care needs to be explored, and criteria for screening of
adults in the primary care setting should be established.