Modern hearing aids do more than just improve hearing
Unfortunately, hearing problems are simply a part of aging. According to the latest research, a cochlear implant can significantly improve hearing and quality of life in older adults.
One in three 65-year-olds suffers from age-related hearing loss—a completely natural process that often develops gradually: At first, those affected can no longer hear high-pitched sounds. “Seniors notice that they can no longer hear birds chirping,” explains Dr. Christiane Völter, an assistant professor at Ruhr University Bochum. “Later on, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to follow conversations with others.” However, many people affected don’t want to admit it, and those around them don’t always notice it right away.
The consequences of hearing loss can be far-reaching, though. Untreated or late-detected hearing loss can lead people to withdraw from social life. This is because those affected often find it very uncomfortable to constantly ask people to repeat themselves or to openly admit that they have trouble hearing. As a result, they meet with friends and family less and less frequently. Modern hearing technology can prevent this.
Improving Hearing and Quality of Life in Later Life with a Cochlear Implant
As a pilot study presented at the annual meeting of the German Society for Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO KHC) in Lübeck shows, fitting seniors with a cochlear implant actually offers two key benefits: Cochlear implants, which were originally developed for children, improve not only the hearing experience but also cognitive performance in older adults with hearing loss.
“Improvements in attention, delayed recall, impulse control, and working memory were already evident after six months,” reports Dr. Christiane Völter. According to the tests, a cochlear implant can particularly improve executive functions—and these are essential for us to cope with our complex daily lives.
Expert Advice from Hearing Care Professionals and ENT Specialists
To ensure that more people in the future are open about their hearing loss and seek help, education and trustworthy counseling are particularly important. And this is exactly what those affected receive from a specialized hearing care professional or ENT doctor. They not only conduct a hearing test but can also answer all your questions about cochlear implants.
You can learn more about cochlear implants as alternatives to hearing aids in our article “When Hearing a Whisper Becomes a Magical Moment.”
