OBJECTIVE: This study looked at the impact of hearing deficits on the
assessment of psychopathology in geriatric psychiatric patients. METHOD:
Psychiatric functioning and speech discrimination were measured in 21
elderly psychiatric patients in a crossover design. RESULTS: Patients
displayed less psychopathology when tested wearing a functioning hearing
aid. CONCLUSIONS: Gradual hearing loss may confound the assessment of
psychopathology in geriatric psychiatric patients.
Abstract Teaser