Rehabilitation of hearing-handicapped elderly adults

This paper describes procedures used in the development and implementation of an aural rehabilitation program for hearing-impaired elderly adults. Program emphasis is directed toward meeting the self-perceived needs of this population. Suggestions for ways to enhance the elderly adult's interest in self-management of hearing problems are gleaned from consumer workshop reports as well as clinical observations. Suggestions for identification of program candidates were offered with emphasis on dissemination of informational literature. Intake procedures were described with mention of the client's possible expectations from the program, as well as the program's expectations from the participants. Finally, program goals and procedures were described. Emphasis was directed toward three interrelated goal areas: amplification, communication remediation, and counseling-education. The role of the hearing aid as a critical tool in the rehabilitation process was highlighted. A controlled approach toward communication assessment was described, along with a scheme for determining remediation goals. Topics for personal and family counseling or education were listed along with suggestions for facilitating individual and group discussion.