Quality of life changes and hearing impairment: a randomized trial

Article Abstract:

Elderly persons may suffer from hearing impairment or loss and this disability may have a profoundly negative influence on their lives. Social, emotional, and communication difficulties are associated with hearing loss. Most physicians do not routinely screen patients for hearing impairments during physical examinations. Hearing aids are used by only 25 percent of patients with hearing loss. The benefits of hearing aids were evaluated in 194 elderly people with hearing impairment. Audiologic tests were performed on all patients to determine the level of hearing impairment. Quality-of-life changes were examined initially, and again at six weeks and four months, using standard testing methods and questionnaires. Patients with hearing loss were either instructed to obtain a hearing aid or were put on a waiting list (the control group). Positive quality-of-life changes were seen as early as six weeks in patients that received hearing aids. Some areas improved more than others with hearing aid use, and improvements were also seen in the control group, which were felt to be due to increased interest and attention from the investigators. In addition to social, emotional, and communication difficulties, several elderly patients had evidence of depression and problems with cognitive function, and improvements in these areas were also seen. As most of the patients in this study were male, further research is needed to determine if the same improvements occur in females. Health care providers are reminded to include routine screening for hearing impairment in the examination of elderly patients, since treatment improves quality of life. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Elderly, Hearing aids, Hearing impaired, Hearing impaired persons, Quality of life, Deaf persons, Aged, Deaf

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A Systematic Review of Newer Pharmacotherapies for Depression in Adults: Evidence Report Summary

Article Abstract:

The newer antidepressants are generally as effective as the older ones. An analysis was done of 315 papers evaluating pharmacological and herbal therapies for depression published in English or other languages between 1980 and 1998. These included randomized trials on serotonin reuptake inhibitors, St. John's Wort, and others. Most tests were with patients undergoing major depression, and the newer drugs did not seem to be effective in older adults or primary care patients. St. John's Wort was effective on people with mild to moderate depression. While both older and newer drugs were equivalent in action, there is a wide range of side effects.

Health aspects, Antidepressants, St. John's wort, Hypericum

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Systematic reviews: critical links in the great chain of evidence

Article Abstract:

Thorough but concise summaries of available evidence on a specific topic called systematic reviews are becoming increasingly important in an age of scientific information explosion. A series of articles is being presented on the technical aspects of systematic reviews. Improvements in research reporting standards, data acquisition, and production of basic research will improve the integrity of systematic reviews. Systematic reviews can streamline the process of integrating current research into daily medical practice.

Editorial, Decision-making, Models, Decision making, Practice, Clinical medicine, Physicians, Medical professions

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