[Rehabilitation possibilities for hearing-impaired subjects]

Hearing impairment is a symptom, not a diagnosis. A number of types of hearing impairment can be distinguished. The self-reported hearing problems cluster around six hearing factors, the most important of which are speech understanding in noise and localisation of a sound source. For these capabilities equivalent functioning of both ears is important. The general practitioner can determine diagnosis and severity of the impairment using rather simple tools. When the cause of the impairment cannot be reduced in a proper way an adaptation of the sound to the impaired ear will be indicated. This can be arranged by either an ENT specialist or a centre for audiology. The selection of a proper hearing aid requires expertise and particular attention for the complaints. It is of the utmost importance that the hearing-impaired person can try out the effects of the hearing aid in daily circumstances for some weeks. If the patient, members of the family or the prescriber are not satisfied with the results, supplementary help is required, for example training in communication skills or special devices.