Supporting older adults with hearing loss extends beyond selecting and fitting appropriate technology. Many individuals receive well-fitted devices yet struggle to use them consistently, integrate them into daily routines, or feel confident communicating in challenging environments. These patterns highlight the importance of understanding hearing care as a process that involves not only audibility, but also expectations, motivation, and the lived experience of communication difficulty.
This panel discussion will explore practical ways to deliver patient-centered hearing care for older adults across the continuum of support. Panelists will consider how factors such as readiness for change, perceived benefit, communication partner involvement, and trust in the clinical relationship influence help-seeking, device adoption, and sustained use over time. The discussion will draw on clinical experience and emerging research to illustrate how small adjustments in communication and counseling can have meaningful effects on engagement.
Rather than introducing additional procedures, a patient-centered approach often involves reframing existing interactions—clarifying expectations, acknowledging communication challenges, and aligning care plans with the individual’s daily listening demands.
Participants will leave with practical strategies to support older adults more effectively, strengthen therapeutic relationships, and promote long-term success with hearing care interventions.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize non-auditory factors that influence help-seeking, device adoption, and sustained use among older adults with hearing loss.
- Describe how expectations, readiness, and communication partner dynamics affect engagement with hearing care interventions.
- Implement practical communication strategies that support patient understanding, confidence, and follow-through during clinical encounters.
- Integrate patient-centered principles into routine care to promote long-term success with hearing technology and communication support
