An ad hoc planning committee will plan and conduct a two-day public workshop to examine the ways in which age-related hearing loss affects healthy aging, and how the spectrum of public and private stakeholders can work together to address hearing loss in older adults as a public health issue. The workshop will feature invited presentations and discussions that will:
1. Describe and characterize the public health significance of hearing loss and the relationship between hearing loss and healthy aging (e.g., medical co-morbidities).
2. Examine and explore current and future areas of research on hearing loss and healthy aging
3. Discuss comprehensive hearing rehabilitative strategies, including innovative models of care
4. Explore innovative hearing technologies, as well as barriers to their development and use
5. Consider and discuss short- and long-term collaborative strategies, including public-private partnerships, for approaching age-related hearing loss as a public health priority, e.g., developing preventive intervention strategies; improving public awareness; and enhancing professional education
The planning committee will develop the agenda for the workshop, select and invite speakers and discussants, commission papers in advance of the workshop (as needed), and help moderate or identify moderators for the discussions. A single individually authored summary of the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur based on the information gathered and the discussions held during the workshop.