Understanding the experience of concurrent hearing impairment and lewy pathology dementias: an interview study

OBJECTIVE: Hearing impairment (HI) and dementia often co-exist, however, little is known about the experience of concurrent HI and dementia. Prior literature focuses on all-cause dementia, leaving the experience of HI in Lewy body dementias (LBDs) unknown. This study explored the experience of HI in people with LBDs and carers within the United Kingdom. DESIGN: A remote interview study, using topic guides co-produced with one person living with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and HI and one former carer. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis within a critical realist framework. STUDY SAMPLE: People with LBDs (n = 9) and concurrent HI, and unpaid carers of people living with LBDs and HI (n = 11). RESULTS: Three overarching themes were generated: (1) The Interpersonal, Emotional, and Somatic Impacts of Hearing Impairment; (2) Accessibility and Availability of Audiology Services; and (3) Perceived Inappropriateness of Audiology Services for People with LBDs. The impact of HI extended beyond communication and included emotional and somatic effects. Audiology access was inconsistent, and standard assessments were often poorly suited to LBD needs. CONCLUSIONS: HI has multifaceted consequences for people with LBDs and carers. Audiology assessments require review, alongside improved support for people with LBDs and concurrent HI.