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The full report of the mandated legislative study done by the Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing entitled The Impact of Hearing Loss on Older Adults in North Carolina was submitted to the Study Commission on Aging in November 2009. The study was a result of legislation passed by the 2008 General Assembly as part of the “Studies Act of 2008.”
In conducting the study, the Division used several different methods which include staff research, survey and a work group to study the four specific areas designated by the General Assembly. The work group consisted of various professionals from the fields of audiology, hearing aid dispensing, aging, Medicaid, state government and the legal professions. Members of consumer grassroots organizations also were part of the work group.
On February 4, 2010, DSDHH Director, Jan Withers presented the findings of the report to the Study Commission on Aging and answered questions from members of the Commission. Assisting Jan Withers was Jeff Mobley, the Division' Hard of Hearing Services Manager and lead staff for the study.
The study was significant as it was the first of its kind ever completed for such a high level of state government. It was also significant because it brings to the surface information and statistics that indicate the potential public health issue hearing loss may be in the future.
The Impact of Hearing Loss on Older Adults in North Carolina could serve as an important tool for use by professionals, consumers and researchers alike.
