Abstract
The 2015 Global Burden of Disease Study determined that hearing loss is the fourth leading cause of disability globally, affecting 6-8% of the world´s population. Peripheral hearing loss is classified as conductive, sensorineural or mixed. Its main effect is impaired communication and the main risk factor is age. Among the most important causes of hearing loss are age-related degenerative processes, genetic mutations, exposure to loud noises or ototoxic medications and chronic conditions. Its onset is insidious and due to the stigmatization of the disease, the diagnosis is usually late. Rehabilitation of the patient with hearing loss must be managed holistically; in addition to the use of hearing aids, it must ensure the psychological well-being of the patient and its compatibility with the device, thereby improving quality of life.
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