Evaluating the Active Communication Education program for older people with hearing impairment [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Louise Hickson (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Linda Worrall

Brief description Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent disabilities in older people and as the Australian population ages, the number of people with hearing loss will also increase. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression and has a profound effect on quality of life. Hearing aids are often seen as the panacea for hearing loss in older people but approximately 35% of people who have obtained a hearing aid use it infrequently or not at all. Even those who do use the hearing aid frequently may still have difficulty hearing in everyday situations. In addition, there are many older people with a hearing impairment who do not want a hearing aid. Cost is often cited as a factor but reasons such as cosmetic appearance and attitude towards hearing loss are also major reasons for not using hearing aids. Hearing is just one element of successful communication. The ability to communicate despite the presence of a hearing impairment is the focus of a new intervention, the Active Communication Education (ACE) program. Participants develop problem-solving strategies to help with communication in everyday life. The program uses a positive approach aimed at enabling older people themselves to try new solutions to old problems. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of ACE for a range of older people with hearing impairment: those who are already using hearing aids, and those who have not sought a hearing aid. Some of the questions answered in this study are: Does the ACE program improve communication and quality of life for older people with hearing impairment? Do some people respond better to ACE , and if so, why? Are there long term effects of ACE? A simple low cost and effective program such as ACEwill have a major impact on the social and psychological health of older people.

Funding Amount $AUD 240,550.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant