Question

A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for an elderly client. The elderly client is experiencing bilateral hearing loss due to the aging process. Which is the correct term for the client’s hearing loss? a. Aphasia b. Dysarthria c. Presbycusis d. Myopia

Short answer

c. Presbycusis

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Terms

Start by understanding the definitions of each of the terms provided in the options. Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological injury that affects the muscles controlling speech. Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss. Myopia is nearsightedness, a condition where close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects are blurred.

- Identify Relevant Symptoms

Identify the symptoms described in the question. The question states that the elderly client is experiencing bilateral hearing loss due to aging.

- Match Symptoms to the Correct Term

Compare the symptoms to the definitions. The correct term for age-related hearing loss is Presbycusis. The other terms do not align with bilateral hearing loss due to aging.

- Select the Correct Answer

Based on the definitions, the correct term for the client’s hearing loss is Presbycusis. Thus, the answer is option c.

Key concepts

presbycusis

Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. This condition occurs gradually and affects both ears over time. It is the most common type of sensorineural hearing loss in older adults.
As people age, the hair cells in the inner ear and the nerve pathways to the brain often degenerate, leading to decreased hearing ability. Symptoms of presbycusis usually include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments.
There are various factors that contribute to presbycusis, including genetics, exposure to loud noises, and certain health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Recognizing and diagnosing presbycusis early can help manage and mitigate its effects on daily life.

nursing care for elderly

Providing effective nursing care for elderly patients with presbycusis involves several key strategies. Firstly, communication is critical. Nurses should speak clearly and slowly, ensuring they face the patient directly to enable lip-reading if necessary.
Using simple and concise language can also aid in understanding. It may be helpful to reduce background noises when conversing with the elderly patient, as this can significantly improve communication.
Additionally, assistive devices such as hearing aids should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure they are functioning correctly. Education about the proper use and care of hearing aids can empower patients to manage their hearing loss more effectively.

hearing impairment diagnosis

Diagnosing hearing impairment like presbycusis involves a series of tests and evaluations. An audiologist will typically conduct a hearing test, known as an audiogram, which measures the patient’s ability to hear various frequencies and intensities of sound.
Medical history and a physical examination of the ears are also important components of the diagnosis process, as they can help identify other potential causes of hearing loss. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out structural issues.
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, as it enables patients to receive appropriate treatments and interventions, such as hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.

long-term care

Long-term care for elderly patients with presbycusis involves addressing not just the hearing loss itself, but also its impact on the patient’s quality of life. This includes routine hearing assessments to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as necessary.
Psychological support can be important, as hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Social activities and interactions should be encouraged to help maintain cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Family education is also a critical aspect of long-term care, ensuring that family members understand the condition and are equipped with strategies to communicate effectively with their loved ones.