A comparison of the MMSE and the TICS-m in hearing-impaired older adults

Abstract

Objective: The efficacy of telephone-administered cognitive screening instruments used with hearing-impaired populations is as yet unknown. Method: In a pilot study, performance of hearing-impaired veterans (N = 46) was compared on telephone-administered (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status - modified; TICS-m) and face-to-face administered (Mini-Mental State Examination; MMSE) instruments. Results: Correlations between the MMSE and the TICS-m (r = 0.39) are lower than previously reported in the literature. Participants had difficulty perceiving words from the TICS-m on registration and thus also on later recall, regardless of whether hearing aids were worn. Further analyses revealed that when these items were removed from the TICS-m scores, correlations with the MMSE improved significantly. Conclusions: Hearing-impaired participants may have difficulties with telephone-administered instruments requiring accurate hearing of words in the absence of any context. Participants' hearing should be taken into account when administering and interpreting cognitive screens over the telephone. © 2006 COTA National Seniors Partnership.