The Effect of the Socio-Cultural Level on the Acceptance Process of Hearing Loss and the Use of Hearing Aids

Good day to everyone.

I want to express my opinion on a very open topic.

One of the most striking issues for me in terms of my profession is the perspective of people on hearing loss and their attitudes towards the use of hearing aids. Unfortunately, in Turkey, the professions of audiologist and audiometrist are not yet fully accepted and understood in terms of their definitions. As a result, the use of hearing aids is far below what it should be.

As an audiologist, who is considered to be new to the sector and is idealistic and relatively excited, I think I show equal dedication to every patient who comes through the door and approach them without prejudice. I recently paid more attention to this approach in my personal life as well. I want to talk about my 66-year-old female lawyer patient, who was the reason for my writing this topic.

In short, my patient has been complaining of eczema in her ear for about 2 months, and the patient was also undergoing treatment. In addition, the patient was referred to an audiology clinic for treatment of eczema and was found to have a moderate hearing loss in both ears due to an increase in high frequencies.

When I took the patient’s medical history, I observed that she had undergone a hearing test in the past on the recommendation of an otolaryngologist (although she did not think she had a hearing loss) and that her hearing loss in both ears had progressed progressively over the years as she got older.

In other words, I somehow crossed paths with the lady. :)

She stated that she did not believe in the accuracy of the hearing tests, that “people mumble with their mouths” and that the resulting outcome may be related to the treatment of eczema.

Of course, after these defenses we are used to, I did my best to provide the necessary information.

But as the lady left, she whispered a few sentences to me with tears in her eyes: “My daughter, I know I don’t hear either, but this is the last straw. I don’t want to be a burden on my family anymore. I can’t stand the thought of wearing those things in my ears. “

This situation, which I encounter almost every day, is a clear reflection of the social and cultural level of acceptance of hearing loss and the use of hearing aids.

It is a well-known fact that hearing loss is a chronic condition that cannot be cured and that hearing aids are the most effective solution in terms of both the individual and society. However, unfortunately, the use of hearing aids is still perceived as a sign of weakness and old age in our society and is not considered as a necessity for a healthy and high-quality life.

There are various reasons for this situation, and the first of these is the lack of awareness and information about hearing loss and hearing aids. In addition, the fear of being stigmatized and the feeling of being disadvantaged in communication may prevent individuals from using hearing aids.

In conclusion, in order to improve the situation, it is necessary to increase the awareness of society about hearing loss and hearing aids and to change their negative perception. In addition, the support of health professionals and the media in the dissemination of accurate and reliable information will also be effective in this process.

I would like to get the opinions and learn the approaches of my colleagues and everyone who reads my writing.

I wish everyone happy years.