Background and objectives: : Age-related hearing loss is a key risk factor for dementia; however, community healthcare professionals often lack training in hearing care for people with dementia. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the Hearing Guidelines of Unified Information for Dementia Experts (H-GUIDE), an educational booklet designed to improve hearing-related knowledge and practices in dementia care.
Subjects and methods: : The H-GUIDE consists of five sections: Hearing Loss and Dementia, Hearing Screening Tests, Introduction of Hearing Aids, Use of Hearing Aids, and Maintenance of Hearing Aids. Participants were 71 long-term care workers, including facility managers and healthcare professionals. The Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Hearing Aid Knowledge Inventory (HAKI) questionnaires were applied before, after, and two months after the educational intervention.
Results: : Participants showed significant improvements in hearing-related knowledge, practice, and intention to use the H-GUIDE post intervention. These effects were sustained during the two-month follow-up. The HAKI scores increased significantly post-test and remained stable over time.
Conclusions: : The H-GUIDE was validated as an effective and user-friendly educational tool that enhances hearing care competency among dementia healthcare professionals; it also supports early detection and management of hearing problems.
Keywords: Age-related hearing loss; Community health; Educational booklet; Healthcare professionals.