HörGut

Technical Support for Older People with Hearing Impairment

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is among the most prevalent chronic diseases in old age. Empirical studies suggest that ARHL has detrimental effects on quality of life; ranging from minor hassle in everyday life to social isolation. The use of hearing aids may serve to alleviate the negative consequences of ARHL. Nevertheless, a high proportion of hearing impaired individuals do not own or use hearing aids. And among those individuals who own hearing aids, a significant number do not use the devices regularly. Audiological and psychological research has not extensively revealed which factors account for such differences in usage behavior. Research at IPG is dealing with the questions under which personal and situational conditions hearing aids are adopted in everyday life and which difficulties occur in using the devices.

Project term: 11/2011 until 10/2014