Mr. Jones is a 92-year-old man with moderate sensorineural hearing loss, dementia, reduced manual dexterity, and limited finances who wants amplification. Which amplification device is most appropriate?

• A. FM System with Receiver and Transmitter
• B. Personal Listening System with Headphones
• C. Half-Shell Hearing Aids
• D. Receiver-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids

Answer: (B)

This item asks you to pick an amplification option that balances effectiveness with ease of use for an elderly adult with dementia, reduced manual dexterity, and limited finances. A personal listening system with headphones fits best because it provides amplification in a simple, easy-to-operate package. It typically consists of a single microphone/transmitter and a pair of comfortable headphones. The user can turn it on, place the headphones on, and adjust the volume—no small batteries to handle, no intricate controls, and no need to manage multiple delicate components. It’s also generally more affordable than many hearing-aid options, which is important given the financial constraint.

In contrast, an FM system with a transmitter and receiver adds extra parts and setup steps, which can be confusing and harder to manage for someone with dementia. Half-shell hearing aids require regular handling of batteries, cleaning, and maintenance, and their controls and tiny components can be challenging for someone with reduced dexterity. Receiver-in-the-canal aids are small and fiddly to insert and adjust, and often involve higher costs and more ongoing care—less suitable for this individual’s situation.