Use of the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) and International outcome inventory of hearing aids (IOI-HA) as a clinical outcome measure in a rural community

The burden of hearing loss among adults is large and a significant proportion of the world’s population with hearing disorders goes undetected, as a result relatively few people are fitted with hearing aids. In a developing country this problem becomes magnified due to lack of resources. This study was done in rural area of Vellore district.Hearing rehabilitative services were provided to the rural people and benefit of hearing aids was assessed using self benefit assessment measures Nal-COSI and IOI-HA.A total of 111 clients were followed up for a period of 6 months. It was found that patients having moderately severe to severe hearing loss have more problems and are in need for hearing rehabilitative services. This model of self benefit assessment measures gives the client a realistic picture and also provides the caregiver the details of hearing aid usage.This model of provision of rehabilitation services of hearing loss can be applied in all developing countries.