Hearing well and being well – a scientific connection

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”¹. As research has shown that hearing loss is associated with a number of health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, it is recognized that all three domains of well-being identified in WHO’s definition of health are impacted by hearing loss.

In this context, Phonak convened a group of international researchers and experts to discuss well-being. The expert panel recommends to focus future research on further investigating how hearing relates to different aspects of well-being, and how hearing rehabilitation might foster well-being. Moreover, the researchers propose collaborations with other healthcare disciplines to spread knowledge on comorbidities, to foster prevention, and to address hearing loss as part of a whole person care.

Hearing care as catalyst for well-being

The expert group sees hearing care providers in a unique position to put hearing loss and hearing rehabilitation in a much broader context. Through a family centered-care approach, discussing comorbidities, hearing technology, and communication strategies, hearing care providers and hearing rehabilitation can be pivotal in fostering communication, participation in physically or cognitively stimulating activities, and social functioning – thereby serving as a catalyst for well-being.

In addition to the full position statement on Hearing Review online, Phonak is hosting a Well-Hearing is Well-Being Symposium at the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) 2020 + HearTECH Expo in New Orleans, LA on April 2 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. New research findings in the areas of hearing and cognition, the impact of hearing care on health costs, and evidence from a new study revealing the effect of hearing aids on cognitive decline will be among the topics discussed.

^{1. World Health Organization (WHO). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Geneva, Switzerland; 1948.}