11 Jun What does good care sound like?

With new technology on the horizon, how do care homes choose an assistive listening system?

According to a recent Care England report, over 80% of older care home residents in the UK live with hearing loss.

That’s a significant number yet the report also highlighted low levels of training or awareness among staff as to how to support residents.  High levels of noise and a lack of assistive technology were also identified as factors that contribute to residents’ isolation and cognitive decline.

It’s clear there is a need to offer assistive listening technology to ensure the best quality of life for residents.  And the number of options is growing.  So what’s right for your setting?

Established systems or emerging technology?

Just as hearing aids have advanced considerably in recent years, with models now being rechargeable or adjustable via a smartphone, assistive listening technology is also developing.

Hearing loops have long been the go-to system for giving hearing aid wearers clear sound.  Although they are ‘old’ technology that just means they are a well-established, proven system, not an obsolete one.

Loops work by sending a sound signal through a ‘loop’ of copper wire via a transmitter.  Users’ hearing aids with a T-coil setting convert that signal back into sound, cutting out background noise and letting residents hear the singer, the bingo caller or the fitness instructor.  Loop cabling is usually laid beneath the carpet so it’s discreet and won’t be a trip hazard.  As well as making entertainment in communal lounges inclusive, hearing loops are also ideal at reception desks for 1-2-1 conversations.  They are universally accessible so any T-coil enabled hearing device can receive the audio signal.  Hearing loops also come in portable units so if someone needs to hear more clearly at dinner, they can.

Hearing loops can also be accessed by those who don’t have a hearing aid.  So if a resident has run out of batteries, can’t find or won’t wear their device, or just doesn’t have a diagnosed hearing loss, a small receiver known as a ‘loop listener’ worn round the neck and used with a pair of headphones will give them clear sound.

The majority of hearing aids in the UK are dispensed by the NHS and these often contain telecoils rather than Bluetooth technology, making loops a useful and effective system for care home residents.

The sound of the future

Auracast™ is an emerging technology that offers high quality sound for group situations.  It uses a specific form of Bluetooth and users need a compatible receiver in order to hear the audio stream.  It’s a straightforward ‘plug-in and play’ system so it’s very easy to install.  However, the number of hearing aids that are Auracast^TM enabled – able to receive the Auracast^TM audio stream – is currently limited.

In some situations, users would need an ‘assistant’ such as a smartphone app to choose the audio stream they wanted to listen to.  In a care setting, this might be a choice between the film being shown in the cinema room or the live performer in the lounge.

Compared to a loop system, which just requires the pressing of a button on a hearing aid to select the telecoil setting, Auracast^TM will likely demand more input from staff to help residents find and select the audio they want to listen to.

What works now

Care England’s research findings were very clear about the impact of unsupported hearing loss for older people in care homes.   Not only can it contribute to isolation, low mood and anxiety, it can also increase the likelihood of falls and cognitive decline.

Whatever the changes in technology, it’s important that residents can hear well NOW.   The availability of Auracast^TM compatible hearing devices and the widespread adoption of it as an assistive listening system could take several years, and perhaps longer for an elderly consumer group and a social setting where staff have limited time to help manage the technology.

There are resources available to help managers and staff support residents with hearing loss.  RNID has tailored guidance for care providers.  Expert assistive listening installers can assess the spaces you have and advise on the right technology for each one, from reception to cinema rooms to residents’ bedrooms where hearing loops can also help them to enjoy their favourite TV shows or music at a volume that’s comfortable for them and their neighbours.

A sound investment

Given such a high proportion of residents live with hearing loss, and many of their children will too (over half the population aged 55 or more have hearing loss), offering hearing support could contribute to a positive CQC report.  It’s also a strong selling point for any care setting.  Even if your investment only attracted one resident, with each one paying an average of more than £67,000 for a 12 month stay, it’s money well spent.

How Contacta can help your home

Contacta has more than 50 years’ experience of designing and installing assistive listening systems.  We can assess the spaces you’d like to install assistive technology in and make recommendations for others you might not have considered.

We offer staff training so everyone knows the system is in place, how it works and how best to help residents access clear sound.  Installation can work around your schedule so activities are not disrupted and once installed, our maintenance programme gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected, and residents are families are receiving the service they expect.

Speak to our team today.  They’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide more information on 01732 223900 or at sales@contacta.co.uk