[Difficulties encountered by old patients wearing a hearing aid].

Presbycusis is a common cause of deafness in the elderly. The histopathology shows degenerative changes of the hair cells in the organ of Corti, and of the auditory nerve fibers. This implies a loss of sensibility for low intensity stimuli, although the perception of loud sounds remains normal. The dynamic range of the cochlea is therefore reduced. In addition, the discrimination is also altered. Hearing aids do not restore a normal hearing. Manufacturers have reduced their size, making them difficult to handle by old patients. This paper reports some of the difficulties encountered by old patients suffering from presbycusis, their family members, doctors, and nurses are not always aware of.