One way to address the multifaceted nature of hearing loss is through group auditory rehabilitation (AR) programs. However, there is a lack of consistent, up-to-date evidence on their design, content, and effectiveness. This SIG 7 activity synthesizes findings from a scoping review and a program evaluation study to examine the landscape and efficacy of group-based AR for older adults with hearing loss.

The first article included is a scoping review that follows the systematic reviews and meta-analyses completed by Hawkins in 2005. The current scoping review includes three randomized controlled trials and identifies substantial variability in the structure, delivery, and outcome measures of group AR programs. It also highlights the need for standardized protocols and consistent reporting of patient-centered outcomes. The authors point out the lack of high-quality, consistent published research on this topic. Additional research is needed that includes rigorous study designs, with consideration of effect sizes, reporting of participant demographics, as well as variables specific to the intervention and outcomes.

Complementing this, the second article assesses the impact of a single-session educational seminar (Optimal Hearing) on knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived hearing-related quality of life among older adults. The topics in this seminar include hearing loss and aging, audiogram interpretation, clear speech, lipreading, and hearing aids. Outcome measures such as the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement, Communication Confidence Profile, and a study-specific measure, the Optimum Hearing Questionnaire, are used to assess the effectiveness of the seminar. Participants in the seminar report significant improvements in some of these measures, suggesting the potential clinical utility of these tools in group AR settings and emphasizing the importance of individualized goal setting.

Together, these studies underscore the potential of group AR formats, whether comprehensive or abbreviated, to support the psychosocial and communicative well-being of older adults with hearing loss. They also point to key opportunities for future research and program development, particularly around tailoring content to individual needs, ensuring accessibility, and evaluating long-term outcomes.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• describe current literature in the area of group auditory rehabilitation
• describe one way to design and assess group auditory rehabilitation focused on older adults with hearing loss

Assessment Type
Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

Articles in This Course

1. Group Aural Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review by Laura Gaeta, Rachel Keiko Stark, and Noemi Celio, published in SIG 7, Volume 9, Issue 6, December 2024
2. Effectiveness of an Educational Seminar for Older Adults with Hearing Loss by Laura Gaeta and Julia Ahlquist, published in SIG 7, Volume 9, Issue 5, October 2024