The links between hearing aid usage and the improvement of auditory perception and selective attention in aging

Abstract

This study describes the importance of the use of hearing aid to better cognitive functions – hearing perception and attention – in hard of hearing elderly people. The disease impact on the cognitive function was analyzed through interviews with elderly patients, family members and the accountable therapist for guiding and hearing aid adaptation. Many elderly people are skeptical about their own needs concerning the use of hearing devices, thus they do not realize the cognitive changes they suffer. After the use of amplification, patients, family members and friends easily perceived the improvement on communication, social integration and cognitive functions. As a conclusion, the use of hearing aid by elderly people may inhibit cognitive changes related to hearing perception and attention restraining psychosocial consequences, making possible a better quality of life for the elderly.