Cooperation of hearing-impaired elderly subjects for participation in a hearing screening program.

Presbyacusis, the auditory disorder which accompanies the aging process, is well known. However, the practical assistance available to alleviate the breakdown in the communication ability of the older person is unsatisfactory, and provision for public awareness of a rehabilitation strategy has not yet been established in many countries. Four hundred and ninety-eight elderly subjects, aged 65-94 years, were hearing tested in different setups, a geriatric nursing home and in the community. It was found that the need for rehabilitation was high and the willingness to participate in a hearing screening program was low even though the rehabilitation treatment was provided without charge.