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About the project
Age related hearing loss often has harmful effects on mental, social, and physical health. New Brunswick (NB) has a high number of older adults who have low income, which can cause barriers to obtaining hearing care. The project is set to carry out a community-based and equity-focused hearing health program. The project was carried out in Saint John, NB starting with a hearing test, hearing loss education, and a choice between two amplification devices. The 124 participants were over 60, 56.6% were women, 91.9% were anglophone, had mild to moderate hearing loss, and did not already use hearing aids. Data showed improvements in communication and social participation for participants.
Conclusions and lessons learned
- Participants experienced improvements in communication, social participation, and communication with their partners.
- Participants learned strategies for improved communication when they have hearing loss and how to use an amplification device effectively
- The program identified hearing loss in participants who were unaware of it or had not sought or received treatment and provided them with education and an amplification device.
- Amplification devices were a supportive technology that allowed participants to hear better, communicate better and become more socially involved.
Recommendations
- Participants suggested more in-person or one-on-one sessions; others asked for more check-ins or group sessions, and to have sessions where participants can share experiences. They also suggested having refresher courses.
- Volunteers should be trained to help those with hearing problems with how to use the amplification device.
- Include a small fee for the amplification device so that participants do not feel that the device has a lesser quality.
- A large number of the participants would have preferred a choice among many different devices or to have modifications to certain devices – make these options available.
To learn more read the complete project findings (PDF 144 KB)