Offering Objective: To address the hearing, balance and communication problems of the elderly, and the other factors that can act in synergy to affect their quality of life

Offering Content: The different factors leading to deterioration of hearing and balance functions in the elderly will be discussed in detail, including biological and environmental factors. The effect of cognitive decline on hearing and balance, and vice versa, will be a focus for this module

 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this offering, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a knowledge and an understanding of the biological factors related to the ageing process affecting hearing and balance, and their interaction with environmental factors ·Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cognitive decline, hearing loss and communication in the elderly
• Critically evaluate the role of fall clinics within the health services in preventing the adverse effects of balance deterioration in the elderly
• Appreciate the necessity of inter disciplinary services for management of hearing, balance and communication difficulties in the elderly
• Demonstrate an understanding of the evidence-base of current research on cognitive decline and sensory deprivation, and identify areas for future research.