Abstract
The objective of this study is to review the effects of wireless headphone technology on the well-being of residents with dementia living in senior communities. It is expected that the hearing technology has the potential to improve mood, especially during group-based activities. Quantitative cross-sectional data was obtained from two memory care communities in Massachusetts to assess the relationship between the assistive hearing technology and residents’ moods. To investigate short-term effects, standardized, self-reported measures of mood were recorded at baseline prior and after group activity using the headphone technology. To measure subjective well-being, participants rated their current mood on a 5-point scale using graphics of mood-based faces pre- and post-intervention during various group activities. A total of 20 residents participated in this study and were included in the analysis. Prior to headphone use, participants’ mean mood rating was 3.9. Mean mood rating post-intervention was 4.5. The mean change in mood state was 0.6 on a scale of 1 to 5. A statistically significant improvement in mood was achieved from baseline to follow-up. Results showed that 35% of participants experienced improved mood and that on average, mood improved by nearly 20%. Preliminary findings suggest that wireless headphone technology enables senior living communities to improve resident quality of life in memory care, by enhancing mood during group-based activities. Previous research has found that positive mood facilitates activity and engagement in long-term care and ultimately leads to better health outcomes. Future research is needed to expand on these findings.