Hearing loss care is ‘in crisis’ in UK residential homes, says new report

According to the white paper, when a care resident’s hearing loss is overlooked or dismissed, it can lead to an increased risk of falls, social isolation, depression and accelerating dementia.

Sue Cipin, JDA chief executive, said: “JDA’s white paper calls for urgent and coordinated action to improve support for care home residents living with hearing loss.”

“ It's about creating environments where our loved ones can participate, connect and feel valued. It’s about dignity and ensuring that their voices are heard.”

JDA’s Engage department spent nearly a decade working directly with 35 care homes, training and supporting over 3,500 staff, uncovering the challenges of caring for residents with hearing loss and developing practical solutions.

The white paper, which is a culmination of this work, sets out nine recommendations. These include increased accessibility of audiology services, and reduction of waiting times; regular environmental audits of care homes, ensuring they are optimised for people with poor hearing; and staff training, so staff can assist and support where necessary.

Nightingale Hammerson began implementing the Engage’s recommendations in their two care homes in the winter of 2021 after observing that problems such as noisy dining rooms caused distress to some residents with hearing aids.

According to the white paper, the adjustments made were hugely impactful. “The combined effects of increased awareness from staff and the physical adjustments have made the communal areas much more comfortable for residents with hearing loss and more conducive to conversations and social interaction.”

“This isn’t just about fixing hearing aids," explains Padraic Garrett, head of Engage. "It's about creating environments where our loved ones can participate, connect and feel valued. It’s about dignity and ensuring that their voices are heard.”

Ask care home managers if they are doing everything possible to ensure your mother or father can hear and live life to the full

Andrew Goodwin, service manager for Engage, urged relatives of care home residents to read the white paper and share it with the senior management of the care home they are in. “Ask them: 'Are you addressing these issues? Are you doing everything possible to ensure my mother/father can hear and live life to the full?'”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, which represents the adult social care sector, called the white paper "a timely and vital resource for the sector", offering "practical, evidence-based recommendations. Hearing loss has long been overlooked in care settings, despite its profound impact on wellbeing, safety, and social connection.”

Set up in 2016 by the Jewish Deaf Association, Engage was founded with the goal “of transforming the lives of people living with hearing loss in care services”. Engage offers specialised training, expert guidance and ongoing support to care homes looking to improve the lives of residents in their homes.

Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care, which has nine residential homes, said the charity was “proud” to support the recommendations outlined in the white paper, adding: “We incorporate hearing care as part of our personalised communication care plans, and our care staff support residents to manage and maintain their hearing aids.”

Other support for residents with hearing loss include quieter living spaces to reduce background noise and the use of amplification equipment, including loop systems, microphones and other technology.

“At Jewish Care, we recognise that appropriate hearing care is vital to supporting our residents with hearing loss, including those living with dementia, to promote social engagement, communication and overall quality of life,” said Carmel-Brown.

The white paper can be accessed here