The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41213

Robin Leonard, MA and Amy Horowitz, DSW. Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute, Lighthouse International, 111 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, 212-821-9527, rleonard@lighthouse.org

An estimated 8.3 million persons experience a vision problem while about 22 million have some form of hearing impairment (Adams, Hendershot, & Marano, 1999). The negative consequences of these sensory losses has been documented (e.g., depression), however little data exist on the presence of both hearing and visual impairments. The primary objectives of this study were to assess: 1) the hearing status of applicants to a vision rehabilitation agency; 2) hearing aid and assistive listening devices utilization; 3) the extent to which hearing problems have been addressed; and 4) help needed with hearing. Data was collected via telephone interviews (or large print surveys) from 332 applicants of a vision rehabilitation agency, ranging in age from 18-98 (M=70 years). Results indicated that hearing loss was being underassessed in the consumer case records with 39% of study respondents reporting some hearing difficulty. Sixty-three percent of those with difficulty hearing have not had a hearing aid prescribed, and 38% were not using their prescribed aids. Respondents with hearing problems also had infrequent hearing exams and were rarely referred to hearing specialists. Respondents who experienced hearing loss after their vision loss were less likely to have spoken to their physician about their hearing and less likely to be referred to a hearing specialist. Sex and race differences also emerged and will be discussed. In conclusion, vision rehabilitation service providers need to be aware that hearing loss is a common problem faced by adults with vision impairment and that unmet hearing service needs exist.

Learning Objectives: Following this presentation, the audience will be able to

• Understand the potential hearing service needs among adults who have a vision impairment;
• Identify three possible risk factors associated with not receiving hearing services among persons who have a vision problem;
• Understand the role of vision rehabilitation service providers in working with consumers who also have hearing loss.

Keywords: Disability, Service

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.