Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Communication and Healthcare Access for Adults With Hearing Loss.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Adults with hearing loss are at risk of negative impacts of the pandemic. Specific factors, such as hearing loss severity and location of residence, may disproportionately impact patients during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to assess the relative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hearing loss patients, based on hearing device type and location of residence.

Study design

Prospective cross-sectional questionnaire study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

Adults with hearing loss.

Main outcome measures

Data included sociodemographic data, communication challenges, pandemic preparedness, access to healthcare, and mental and emotional health.

Results

A total of 614 patients responded (27.8% response rate). Compared w

SUBMITTER: Wilson HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8373686 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature