Description of nonaudiologic associated factors in older adults from the 2006 hearing aid program at the Padre Hurtado Hospital in Santiago

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years it has been suggested to include nonaudiologic factors in the rehabilitation programs for older adults. Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe social, familial and general health factors affecting older adults (OA) beneficiaries of the 2006 hearing aid program at the Padre Hurtado Hospital in Santiago. Material and Method: Patients, 65 year old or older, that received hearing aids at the ORL Department during 2006, were interviewed. Results: 87% of patients that received a hearing aid were interviewed. Age range was 65 to 98 years old (x=77.6). Results can be summarized as follows: a) In 63% of the interviewed patients, the main caretaker was a son or daughter, b) 66% presented some kind of physical limitations (visual or motor, treated or non-treated), c) 78% had an income of some sort (pension, for example); only 2% had no income of any type, d) 7% of the interviewed individuals were illiterate, e) 37% attend medical controls accompanied by a son or daughter, and f) only 19% assists regularly to social activities within their neighborhood. Conclusions: Current auditory rehabilitation programs pose the need of considering nonaudiologic factors when evaluating a patient that requires some type of hearing aid.