Combining Hearing and Brain Health in a Group Protocol for Black Older Adults.

What is it about?

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is an evidence-based group intervention for elderly individuals living with mild-to-moderate dementia. The program was designed to (a) adapt and then apply CST to a target group of low-income African American elders and (b) integrate audiology services and education about hearing health and hearing loss in the context of CST therapy. In partnership with two community health centers in North St. Louis, a CST group was established for 12 elderly African American clients with cognitive-communicative impairments as measured by standardized assessments. During weekly group sessions, culturally informed activities and discussions were conducted with input from staff and participants to stimulate social interaction and cognition. Health topics relevant to age-related sensory and cognitive decline were introduced, with emphasis on management of common chronic diseases such as diabetes that are known to be associated with increased risk of hearing loss. Free hearing health services were provided, including screenings and, as needed, full audiological evaluations, cerumen management, otolaryngology referrals, hearing aids, and aural rehabilitation.

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Why is it important?

Participants' self-administered ratings and self-generated comments indicated meaningful increases in actionable knowledge about both hearing and cognitive health that led to enhanced utilization of available health services. They also suggested that audiology services were paramount to their enthusiastic adherence to the combined CST–audiology program.

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