Use and benefit of hearing aids in the tenth decade--and beyond

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use and benefit of hearing aids in 185 hearing-disabled subjects born before 1900, consecutively fitted with a hearing aid during the first 6 months of 1989. Information from 138 (75%) subjects, 117 females and 21 males with a median age of 93 years (range 90-107), was obtained from a questionnaire, which was mailed 4-6 months after the fitting procedure. The questionnaire included questions concerning use of the hearing aid(s), self-reported benefit, handling problems, overall satisfaction/dissatisfaction, social and domiciliary situation and self-reported visual capacity. Among these elderly subjects 75% had previously been provided with hearing aids, while 25% were first-time users. The results demonstrate that 76% use the hearing aid(s) at home and in small groups, and that 51% use the hearing aid(s) each day; however, 35% did not respond to this question. 64% expressed general satisfaction with their aid(s). Despite instruction and counselling, handling problems were frequently present. In those previously fitted with hearing aids a higher rate of time-related use and satisfaction was present, and handling problems were less frequent than in the first-time applicants. It is concluded that elderly hearing-impaired subjects in the tenth decade use and benefit from hearing aids; however, more problems concerning use and benefit of hearing aids are present in this age group than in the younger age groups.