During this century, great achievements in modern medicine have increased the longevity of man. It is estimated that the population of those age 65 and over will be 24 million in 1980 (Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1963). It is also estimated that 15 to 20 percent of these persons will be hearing impaired. Therefore it is necessary to understand and meet the needs of this growing population.The multitude of problems associated with the elderly individual's ability to function auditority are encompassed in the term "presbycusis." Presbycusis includes the pathology of the aging ear, the related auditory discrimination difficulties and many other associated social-psychological problems encountered by the individual.Presbycusis is not the sole cause of auditory discrimination disabilities. Many elderly people lack the ability to understand speech. Often these confusions are thought to be signs indicating senility. The confusion is embarrassing to the elderly person, and later may result in withdrawal from communication situations.