[Rehabilitation of patients with hearing disorders using hearing aids and tactical hearing measures]

After a brief summary of the problems of rehabilitation of hearing-impaired subjects, the optimal conditions for rehabilitation with hearing aids are presented: a) The right timing is crucial. b) Optimal provision of hearing aids must be carried out in close co-operation between the patient, the hearing aid technician and the otolaryngologist. c) Easy handling of the hearing aid and the use of attachments must be guaranteed. d) The hearing-impaired person must be fully informed as to the extent and type of hearing loss. He/she must accept the affliction and know about the possibilities of rehabilitation. The patient's motivation is a pre-requisite for all further steps. e) The patients must learn tactical measures to make optimal use of their hearing ability in relation to their environment. Hearing tactics consist of hearing training and a change in the attitude of the hearing-impaired patients themselves and their attitude towards their surroundings.