Improving Access to Hearing Services for People With Low Vision: Piloting a “Hearing Screening and Education Model” of Intervention

OBJECTIVES:The aims of this study were to investigate the potential unmet need for hearing services among older people attending low-vision rehabilitation, and pilot a “Hearing Screening and Education Model” (HSEM) of intervention to promote use of hearing services and aids among these individuals. DESIGN:In the Vision-Hearing project, 300 clients attending low-vision clinics in Sydney, Australia, participated in baseline interviews and the HSEM (2010–2011). The HSEM consisted of(1) standard pure-tone audiometry; (2) discussion of hearing loss and implications of dual sensory impairment; and (3) provision of information on hearing services and facilitated referral. Those with hearing loss who did not own hearing aids, reported low use (