Hearing Impairment, Disability, and Handicap in Older People

In this review the hearing problems associated with aging are discussed using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps as a conceptual framework. Research evidence about the etiology, prevalence, and measurement of hearing impairment in older people is presented initially, followed by a review of studies that have considered the disability and handicap associated with such hearing impairment, that is, the effects of hearing impairment on the everyday lives of older people. The rehabilitation process and options for this population are discussed, including research data on the efficacy of the available options. The conclusion notes that despite evidence about the effectiveness of aural rehabilitation options, many health professionals and older people themselves consider hearing impairment to be a benign problem that does not require rehabilitation. Investigating the role of aural rehabilitation in slowing the progress of dementia is identified as an important area for future research.