The presentation will build on connections among research, practice and policy that have been shaping Canadian and global initiatives to position hearing health in person-centered, integrated, community-based primary care for older adults. From beginning to end, the talk will focus on the importance of hearing for healthy aging in older adults. Beyond the audiogram, we will review sub-types of auditory aging and discuss the reasons for and clinical implications of age-related changes in the frequent mismatches between self-reported hearing problems and hearing loss defined based on pure-tone thresholds. Beyond hearing, a spotlight will be put on the links between hearing and age-related changes in other key capacities (vision, cognition, mobility, mental health, nutrition) that combine to affect the everyday functioning of older adults. Beyond hearing aids, practice options for situating hearing care within emerging opportunities for integrated person-centered primary care for older adults will cover new approaches to screening, assessment, in-clinic or online rehabilitation, and community-based accessibility. There will be an opportunity for audiologists to share their thoughts and experiences as the profession adapts to new approaches for hearing care in the context healthcare to promote healthy aging.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the reasons for and clinical implications of age-related changes in mismatches between hearing loss defined based on audiometric thresholds and self-reported hearing problems.
2. Explain how auditory aging is associated with everyday functioning, especially when older adults are adapting to changes in other age-related capacities (vision, cognition, mobility, mental health, nutrition).
3. Advocate for hearing care as opportunities emerge to shape integrated inter-professional, person-centered primary and community-based care for older people.