Audiologic management of older adults with hearing loss and compromised cognitive/psychoacoustic auditory processing capabilities

Trends Amplif. 2006 Mar;10(1):1-28. doi: 10.1177/108471380601000102.

Abstract

The number and proportion of older adults in the United States population is increasing, and more clinical audiologists will be called upon to deliver hearing care to the approximately 35% to 50% of them who experience hearing difficulties. In recent years, the characteristics and sources of receptive communication difficulties in older individuals have been investigated by hearing scientists, cognitive psychologists, and audiologists. It is becoming increasingly apparent that cognitive compromises and psychoacoustic auditory processing disorders associated with aging may contribute to communication difficulties in this population. This paper presents an overview of best practices, based on our current knowledge base, for clinical management of older individuals with limitations in cognitive or psychoacoustic auditory processing capabilities, or both, that accompany aging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Auditory Perception / physiology*
  • Auditory Perceptual Disorders / complications
  • Auditory Perceptual Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Cognition Disorders / complications
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Communication Disorders / etiology
  • Correction of Hearing Impairment
  • Hearing Aids
  • Hearing Loss / etiology
  • Hearing Loss / physiopathology*
  • Hearing Loss / rehabilitation*
  • Humans