An alternative approach for detecting hearing loss in adults with learning disabilities

Accessible Summary Annual health checks for people with learning disabilities should include a check of hearing. However, this hearing only involves asking questions about and does not an actual test. We tested the in community. found that some had problems been picked up at their annual check. think be changed to Abstract Background primary care assessment, though current guidance recommends subjective assessment only. Previous studies suggest is inadequate recommend objective alternatives such as screening. This study aimed assess feasibility screening examine last recorded outcome hearing, those diagnosed loss result process. Method Hearing took place four locations 75 participated. Contact was made each individual's GP share results request onward referral where indicated. Findings Wax occlusion prevented 23%. Fifty‐seven completed screen, 25 suspected loss. Of these, 22 required Audiology verify thresholds. Only 13 were actually referred, 11 individuals underwent Audiology, resulting 10 being The most recent outcomes examined records we accessed, identified or actioned every case. Conclusions shown here suitable method detecting changing practice incorporate 12% known services, suggesting substantial proportion undetected evidence apparent reluctance around aid fitting make suggestions improvement.