Hearing aid rehabilitation: what do older people want, and what does the audiogram tell?

The demands/needs for audiological/otological services under optimal conditions were investigated within the framework of three epidemiological investigations. The study population consisted of 559 people, 318 women and 241 men, 70-91 years old. The participants were offered audiological and otological services, including hearing aid fitting. Fifteen per cent of the participants asked for audiological/otological services. Six per cent of the participants were equipped with hearing aids as a result of the study. Almost all of those with severe hearing loss either had been equipped with hearing aids prior to the study, or took advantage of the offer to get such devices. This figure represented about half of those with moderate hearing loss and about 20% of those with mild hearing loss. After the study, 19% were equipped with hearing aids, but in all 25% had hearing aids or had expressed a wish to get one. The percentages of elderly people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, who contemplated purchasing an aid, but did not do so, were large, between 10%, and 22%. More than 11% consulted a doctor when the opportunity was offered to them. Most of them wanted the consultation because of progressive hearing loss. Middle ear disease was another important reason for a consultation.