Acceptance and hearing aid use by patients of retirement age (in the Magdeburg clinical area)
Vorwerk, U.; Begall, K.; Vorwerk, W.
Hno 41(3): 119-122
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-6192 PMID: 8473204 Document Number: 413400
Providing patients with hearing aids in the former German Democratic Republic was carried out in audiological centers by otolaryngologists and authorized audiologic-phonatric assistants. The available selection of hearing aids was limited. A randomized group of 119 patients rehabilitated with hearing aids was examined. The current study includes persons older than 65 years. In 78.4% of the patients treated, the quality of life was improved with the hearing aids. In contrast, the other patients reported the aids to be useless. Nearly 90% of all patients had no problems in managing their hearing aids. About 75% of the patients used the hearing aid the whole day. In addition to the hearing aid prescribed, 33 patients also have had to read lips and only a combination of both allows these patients to have adequate communication. Patients reported that 80% of the hearing aids worked well or were rarely out of order. Further, 68% of the people questioned reported a positive attitude of their fellow citizens. Only 6% mentioned that the use of hearing aids to treat presbycusis disturbed social communications. Since hearing loss can be progressive and to avoid interference in early rehabilitation, frequent follow-ups by otorhinolaryngologists are required. The evaluation of patients with hearing disorders requires the collaboration of physicians and hearing aid acousticians in order to give patients the most information and understanding of their deafness.