A 72-year-old has symmetrical aidable hearing loss in both ears and difficulty understanding speech in noise. Which rehabilitation recommendation is most appropriate?
For aidable bilateral loss, NICE recommends offering two aids and explaining advantages for speech in noise, sound localisation and sound quality. Goals and dexterity should be incorporated into a personalised plan.
A. Offer one aid because binaural fitting never improves speech in noise: This contradicts expected binaural benefits and the NICE recommendation.
B. Delay amplification until profound loss develops: Hearing aids are offered when loss affects communication and environmental awareness, not only at profound thresholds.
C. Offer two hearing aids and explain binaural benefits: For aidable bilateral loss, NICE recommends offering two aids and explaining advantages for speech in noise, sound localisation and sound quality. Goals and dexterity should be incorporated into a personalised plan.
D. Recommend a cochlear implant without aided assessment: Implant referral depends on severe-to-profound loss and inadequate benefit from hearing aids.
E. Provide devices without communication-strategy counselling: Rehabilitation should address real-world communication needs as well as technology.
If severe visual and manual-dexterity impairment limited conventional controls, device choice and support would need individual adaptation rather than withholding rehabilitation.
Independent Clinora educational preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme, clinical advice, or a substitute for local policy and specialist judgement.
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