Aging: loss of hearing sensitivity of the elderly (presbycusis)

Abstract

IntroductionAfter the literature consulted, our theoretical options for this small study were based on an attempt to minimize the consequences of hearing loss, typically expressed in feelings of insecurity, disability, depression and isolation, increasing dramatic changes in the quality of life of the elderly. These problems caused by sensory deprivation of hearing can be minimized by the use of hearing aids, promoting better communication skills. According to the literature, the prevalence of the use of these prostheses for the elderly is quite low, being the first moments of acquisition considered critical periods of adaptation, with risk of rejection by the elderly. Concept PresbycusisEtymologically, presbycusis of presbi (old) and acusia (hearing) means "hearing of the elderly" as well as general aging of the whole organism.1 Hearing loss in the third age, scientifically designated by presbycusis, appears discreetly and progressively increases with advancing age. Conscious of the impact of this problem, in terms of psychosocial consequences (eg., isolation, communication difficulty, anxiety, frustration, depression) and the constraints that this entails, it is our objective in this study to alert to "auditory care" for the quality of life of the elderly. This senescence process places individuals in a situation of greater vulnerability to the disease, such as chronic health problems that limit their quality of life. The elderly person's hearing loss reflects radical changes in their quality of life. These problems caused by sensory deprivation of hearing can be minimized by the use of hearing aids, developing better communication skills and social integration. GoalsThis small research aims to contribute to the achievement of the best quality of life for the elderly with hearing loss (presbycusis). Thus: a. We asked about the motivations for the use of hearing aids.b. We verified the degree of satisfaction of the users of these prostheses.c. We identified barriers encountered in the use and maintenance of prostheses.d. We evaluate how the lack of hearing in the elderly interferes with their quality of life.M MethodThe sample consisted of 30 participants, with presbycusis, 25 females and 5 males (institutionalized elderly) from the city of Braga / Portugal. The instrument used was the technique of interview as the main way for multiple realities (Stake, 2007). Thus, we plan individual, semi-structured and face-to-face interviews. Informal and in a climate that facilitates dialogue and promotes a speech that is fluent and easy to understand. ResultsThe results of our research suggest that most of the elderly do not adhere to the use of hearing aids. According to Russo 2 we analyze the behavior and the arguments of these individuals in relation to the auditory prosthesis test. It is concluded that non-adherence to this resource is due to financial problems, aesthetic reasons, (in) convenience, difficult manipulation of controls and residual sounds. AbstractAging, consensually assumed as a process that affects ...