“We forget about peoples’ hearing loss”: identifying key aspects of hearing aid and communication training in residential care homes

Abstract

Objectives

The first objective was to assess the feasibility of training on hearing aids and communication strategies by support workers in residential care via a cascade training model using two different training packages. The second was to identify key elements of these packages to inform the design of a multimedia training package.

Design

Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. A pre-post feasibility design assessed the questionnaire data from residential care support workers to measure knowledge and confidence at three stages during the training. Semi-structured interviews explored the support workers’ experiences and adherence to cascading the training packages.

Study sample

Fourteen support workers employed by Sense (charity for deafblind people) were trained to become “Hearing Champions” and cascaded their learning to 117 support colleagues.

Results

Hearing Champions gained knowledge, skills and confidence, which were subsequently enhanced by sharing their learning with others. Despite individual and organisational barriers, they reported examples of improved practice and feelings of empowerment.

Conclusions

It is feasible to deliver training to support workers in residential homes using the face-to-face “Hearing Champions” and multimedia C2Hear training methods by cascading training to their colleagues. Support workers expressed a preference for training that is portable, adaptable and interactive.

Keywords:

• Multimedia training
• hearing aids
• communication
• support workers
• residential care

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Donna Corrigan, Janice Greatrex, and all of the Sense Hearing Champions involved. Special thanks to David Maidment and Alex Barker (NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre) for their assistance with the statistical and thematic analysis.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This article presents independent research funded by the NIHR under its Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Program [Grant Reference Number PB-PG-0815-20019] and was carried out at the NIHR Nottingham Clinical Research Facilities. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the UK NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.