Rehabilitation of Age-Related Hearing Loss Patients

Abstract

Age-related hearing loss or presbycusis is the progressive hearing loss that affects both peripheral and central structures of the auditory system. It is characterized by increased hearing thresholds along with decrease in auditory perception. Presbycusis is permanent and irreversible, causing serious consequences both for the people with hearing impairment and for those around them. Because hearing loss in elderly is closely related with the quality of life, rehabilitation intervention through the use of hearing aids and hearing assistance technology and implementation of communication program are very important. There is a clear understanding of the importance of availability of the range of rehabilitation interventions in accordance with active involvement from the hearing impaired elderly who should be taught of self-management skills. Rehabilitation intervention should focus on optimizing availability and adherence to the rehabilitation program to truly benefit age-related hearing loss patients. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2013;56:475-81