University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
J Aging Health. 2010 Mar;22(2):143-53. doi: 10.1177/0898264309352731. Epub 2010 Jan 7.
Hearing impairment, which affects both peripheral and central structures of the auditory system, is highly prevalent among older adults and has serious consequences both for the people with hearing impairment and for those around them. This article provides an updated overview of the rehabilitation of this population.
This article critically reviews the rehabilitation interventions available to older adults with hearing impairment: hearing aids, hearing assistance technology, and communication programs.
Current evidence suggests positive outcomes of similar magnitude for the three rehabilitation interventions, however their availability/uptake and adherence are suboptimal.
To improve the current situation, two changes to practice are warranted. First, availability of the range of rehabilitation interventions should be improved. Second, in accordance with the self-management of other chronic health conditions, older adults with hearing impairment should be invited to be actively involved in their rehabilitation.
听力障碍影响听觉系统的外周和中枢结构，在老年人中极为普遍，对听力障碍者及其周围的人都有严重的后果。本文对这一人群的康复治疗进行了更新概述。
本文批判性地回顾了可用于老年听力障碍者的康复干预措施：助听器、听力辅助技术和沟通方案。
目前的证据表明，这三种康复干预措施的效果相当，但它们的可用性/利用率和依从性并不理想。
为了改善现状，有必要对实践进行两项改变。首先，应改善各种康复干预措施的可用性。其次，应按照对其他慢性健康状况的自我管理方式，邀请听力障碍的老年人积极参与自身的康复。
