ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the development of two communication guides for patients with hearing loss and cognitive impairment, with and without hearing aid fittings, and their companions. Methods The guides were designed to guide group counselling sessions on communication for the target population. A bibliographical survey was carried out on the most suitable adaptations for this population and the main communication strategies used. The material’s structure and content were adapted for the main difficulties of older adults, such as visual and cognitive challenges. Results Two communication guides were developed as planned. Mnemonic strategies were used to improve content retention, such as summaries, illustrations, and a diary. Concepts about communication were addressed, relating them to hearing and cognitive difficulties and their elements, such as hearing loss and dementia. They addressed communication partners and communication strategies. One of the guides dealt with hearing aids and their care. Therefore, the text’s presentation aimed to encourage learning through content predictability, as well as clear and intuitive signposting and layout. Conclusion Individuals with hearing and cognitive difficulties require a variety of care throughout the rehabilitation process. Counselling is an important step in the process of adapting to hearing aids, along with the use of communication strategies. The use of printed educational material is a viable and reasonably cost-effective tool for these individuals and their communication partners.
Thuller et al. (Wed,) studied this question.