Abstract: Given their training in the detection and non-medical management of both hearing and balance disorders, most audiologists believe that falls risk management is within their professional scope of practice. However, surveys have found that less than 15% of audiologists incorporate Risk of Falling assessments into their audiology practice, and even fewer believe they are sufficiently trained on falls risk screening protocols (Patterson and Honaker, 2014). Attendees will learn how to work within their scope of practice to implement the World Guidelines for falls prevention and management and help reduce the burden of their patients’ underlying risk factors for falling.
Summary: The new World Guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults recognize the increased rate of falls among individuals with sensory dysfunctions, including hearing impairment, and encourage opportunistic case-finding exercises to identify individuals who are at elevated risk (Montero-Odasso et al, 2022).
Given their training in the detection and non-medical management of both hearing and balance disorders, most audiologists believe that falls risk management is within their professional scope of practice. However, surveys have found that less than 15% of audiologists incorporate Risk of Falling assessments into their audiology practice and even fewer believe that they are, personally, sufficiently trained on falls risk screening protocols (Patterson and Honaker, 2014).
In this presentation, we will discuss the various reasons audiology patients are at elevated risk for falls and how audiologists can intervene to help reduce the burden of their patients’ underlying risk factors and maximize the quality of life for these individuals. Following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC), audiologists can safely and efficiently integrate falls risk screening into their practice.
Specifically, attendees will learn how to administer the CDC’s recommended functional gait, strength, and balance tests for falls risk assessment. We will also discuss relevant research findings regarding the predictive value of the audiological test battery and specific case-history items.
References: Montero-Odasso, M., van der Velde, N., Martin, F. C., Petrovic, M., Tan, M. P., Ryg, J., Aguilar-Navarro, S., Alexander, N. B., Becker, C., Blain, H., Bourke, R., Cameron, I. D., Camicioli, R., Clemson, L., Close, J., Delbaere, K., Duan, L., Duque, G., Dyer, S. M., … Rixt Zijlstra, G. A. (2022). World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: A global initiative. Age and Ageing, 51(9), afac205. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afac205
Patterson, J. N., & Honaker, J. A. (2014). Survey of Audiologists’ Views on Risk of Falling Assessment in the Clinic. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 25(4), 388–404. https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.25.4.10
Learning Objectives:
List reasons why people with hearing loss may at risk for falls.
Screen a patient’s risk for falls and justify why a patient should referred for further falls risk assessment and mitigation.
Describe how a community marketing strategy incorporating falls risk screening may promote utilization of audiology services.
