Effects of Hearing Loss and Cerumen Impaction on Music Listening Behaviors and Speech-Language Measures: A Music First! Pilot Study

Indianapolis, IN

Previous research suggests that music may be a key tool in helping individuals with dementia reconnect with the world. However, individuals with dementia must have access to music (i.e., typical hearing) to be able to benefit from music listening. The purpose of our study is to determine the effects of hearing level and cerumen impaction on music listening and speech and language outcomes in nursing home residents who have dementia. We will ask 60 residents to undergo an otoscopic evaluation and a modified hearing screening procedure. All residents will receive 30 minutes of their preferred music each week, and sundowning symptoms prior to and following the music listening will be recorded. We will also measure speech-language outcomes in a subset of the residents. Preliminary data show that several residents with dementia in nursing homes have hearing loss below normal levels for this age group that can be restored with amplification, or hearing loss that cannot be restored with amplification. Moreover, some residents have a higher (worse) hearing threshold than they should because of cerumen (ear wax) impaction. Other residents have moderate to severe hearing loss but do not consistently use amplification device(s). Non-compliance with amplification or untreated cerumen impaction will likely impact residents’ behavior on speech, language, music listening, and sundowning measures. Preliminary results also indicate that there is a relationship between an individual’s hearing level and their ability to produce a verbal response. These findings will contribute to future interventions for individuals with dementia and hearing impairment.