Sensory impairment in older adults: Part 1: Hearing loss.

Preserving older adults' sense of hearing and helping them to maintain communication in the face of changes that occur with age are areas of concern for nurses. In addition to reviewing the types of hearing impairment, this article emphasizes assessment strategies and interventions that nurses can use across settings. This is Part 1 of a two-part article on sensory impairment in older adults; in the November 2006 issue, Part 2 will address visual impairment in this population.