Research Forum on Challenges in Hearing Health Care for the Oldest Older Adults.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to introduce the invited Research Forum on challenges in hearing health care for the oldest older adults, which was presented at the 2014 HEaring Across the Lifespan conference (HEAL 2014).

METHOD

A brief overview of the three presentations in the special session is provided along with general conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing health care needs of the oldest older adults are multifactorial and are related to auditory and cognitive declines; social, emotional, and lifestyle changes; and increasing physical disabilities and other comorbidities. Improved clinical outcomes for hearing health require personalized needs assessments by interprofessional teams and shared decision making on treatment options.