Our senses serve as a window to the world, allowing access to essential information that underpins daily functioning. As one sensory domain, hearing is critical to an individual’s ability to communicate, interact with others, perceive dangers, and feel connected to the environment (Dalton et al. 2003). Loss of hearing is found to impact quality of life and relationships with family and friends (Ciorba, Bianchini, Pelucchi, & Pastore,
2012), the ability to remain engaged in preferred activities and work (Goldstein, 2011), cognitive and physical functioning (Genther, Frick, Chen, Betz, & Lin, 2013); and the ability to understand health care instructions (Pacala & Yueh, 2012).
Because hearing loss affects over 50% of persons age 65 and older
2012), the ability to remain engaged in preferred activities and work (Goldstein, 2011), cognitive and physical functioning (Genther, Frick, Chen, Betz, & Lin, 2013); and the ability to understand health care instructions (Pacala & Yueh, 2012).
Because hearing loss affects over 50% of persons age 65 and older