Physical handling of hearing aids by the elderly

In an attempt to overcome handling problems with hearing aids in elderly patients, we have examined the prevalence of anticipated handling problems in this group and their ability to cope with different types of ear moulds and hearing aids. Increased total prevalence of anticipated problems was found only in the 85+ age group, although anticipated handling problems increased markedly in the 75+ age group. Patients over 75 years found it significantly easier to handle postaural aids with modified skeleton moulds than temporary tips or standard skeletons. They also coped less well with in-the-ear aids and failed to show the increased reduction in disability found with those aids in the younger groups.