Understanding the elderly user of auditory prostheses

The main goal was to identify the factors involved in the application for and use of auditory prostheses by the elderly as well as their awareness of the Policy of Care to Auditory Health. 25 elderly people of both sexes using auditory prostheses in Vitória (Espírito Santo, Brazil) were selected. They were contacted by telephone to participate in the research by answering a questionnaire. The results demonstrated that most of the elderly people interviewed (52%) use the device all day which suggests good adaptation to the process. Thirteen elderly people reported that they contacted the prosthesis company of their own accord. The advantages involved better communication and listening to TV (64%) while the difficulties were due to noisy environments; 56% were unable to understand what was being said at lectures, in church, and on the telephone, 72% reported no improvement with the prosthesis. 88% of the elderly participants are unaware of donation policies for auditory devices and 100% are unaware of this kind of service. Research and practices in health services about auditory issues still have far to go. There is a need for a change in management with the objective of putting into action policies which define the responsibilities of the State.