How can people get the most out of their appointments with a hearing care professional? What role do relatives and communication partners play? Which strategies and tips can help people with hearing loss improve communication on a daily basis?

These are some of the questions addressed by a new suite of tools for people with hearing loss, which were recently launched by hearing care provider HearUSA in partnership with the Denmark-based Ida Institute. Based on the principles of person-centered care, the tools are designed to engage people in the self-management of their hearing loss and help structure the conversation between clients and hearing care professionals. The tools aim to help those with hearing loss prepare for their first appointment, follow-up appointments and learn strategies for everyday life with hearing loss.

“Putting the patient at the heart of the rehabilitation process is absolutely crucial for the outcome,” says Lise Lotte Bundesen, Managing Director of the Ida Institute. “Our tools help people reflect upon and define their needs and concerns before coming to their first or follow-up appointments. This means they are more motivated to take action and better prepared to get the most out of the counseling. This leads to higher acceptance, better results of the rehabilitation process and more satisfied clients.”

The new tools are part of the AARP® Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA, which gives AARP members access to a network of over 4,000 licensed providers and best-in-class clinical practices nationwide.

“We want to provide AARP members with the absolute best service and support,” says Suzanne Brydon, Account Manager at HearUSA for the AARP Hearing Care Program. “These tools are part of our ongoing effort to bring the highest quality of hearing care to AARP members,”

The new tools are available from the website of the AARP® Hearing Care Program.