HEARING The new research EuroTrak Ita 2022

In this edition, we analyze data from a new research EuroTrak Ita 2022, a project sponsored by EHIMA (European Hearing Aid Manufacturers Association), with Dr. Angela Bracuto, a hearing aid specialist. What emerged regarding hearing loss and related hearing aid use

The total number of people surveyed in Italy amounted to 15,210. Only 30% of the sample surveyed had undergone a hearing test in the past 5 years; most of the tests were performed by otolaryngologists. 494 people reported having a hearing loss and owning devices, while 823 people know they have a hearing loss but do not wear devices. Unfortunately, most of those who are aware that they have a hearing loss refuse to use hearing aids. The reasons for not buying devices are mainly: "I can almost always hear well" (people hardly admit that they need help), "I have a non-severe loss" (i.e., they tend to wait until it gets even worse - the more severe the hearing loss, the higher the rate of adoption of hearing aids), "I have more important priorities," and "I am ashamed to wear them." Reading these data gives us a good understanding of how hearing well-being is not among the priorities of the Italian population, among the 5 senses it is perhaps the most neglected. Of course, this represents a problem, even larger given the correlation between hearing and cognitive decline. This is unfortunate, also because the degree of fulfillment found among users is high, 87% of hearing aid owners say their device works better or as expected.

What are the benefits of hearing aids with regard to improving quality of life according to the new Euro Trak ITA 2022 data?

The benefits are manifold. People involved in the research were asked to rate the changes they have experienced in various areas since they began using hearing aids. Social life in general improves, specifically improved relationships at home, ability to participate in group activities, overall ability to communicate more effectively in most situations, sense of independence, sense of security, and self-confidence. Among the many questions administered to participants, they were asked when they have been wearing hearing aids and when they feel safer while traveling in the city, for example, because they hear traffic signals and approaching vehicles: 83% of respondents answered positively. 67% of hearing aid owners believe they should have purchased them earlier, mainly for the following reasons: better social life, better mental/emotional health, better performance at work. We can say that making the decision to wear braces is not an easy thing and often takes a lot of time, but then most users regret not having done it sooner. It is necessary to emphasize an additional positive aspect, the situation also improves for the other members of the family when the hearing impaired person begins to use hearing aids: relationships in general, communication, social activities carried out together improve, and above all, quarrels often related to misunderstandings and misunderstandings decrease. zwzResearch also shows potential social cost savings from hearing aid use: lower risk of being depressed, mentally less tired in the evening, and sleep quality improves significantly due to less mental strain during the day.