What did you say? – Study to investigate gaps in the provision of hearing aids

Not wearing glasses despite poor eyesight? Unimaginable for many. While visual defects are usually treated promptly with suitable visual aids, this is rarely the case with diminishing hearing: in Germany, six million people over the age of 60 have moderate or severe hearing loss. But only around three million people wear a hearing aid – including those under 60. Untreated hearing loss is considered one of the most significant risk factors for dementia and can also lead to depression, confusion or reduced independence. Last but not least, the secondary diseases burden the German healthcare system with additional, often avoidable costs. But how does this gap in care come about? And how can it be remedied in the long term? ESI member Prof. Dr. Dr. Ulrich Hoppe, Head of the Department of Audiology and the Cochlear Implant Centre CICERO at the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic – Head and Neck Surgery (Director: Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Heinrich Iro) at Erlangen University Hospital, is addressing these questions together with a national research team as part of the HearForFuture project. On the occasion of the annual World Hearing Day on March 3, the researchers would like to once again draw attention to the importance of early and appropriate hearing aid provision.

You can find further information on otorhinolaryngology clinics Web pages.

Category: News keywords: Project