March 3rd is World Hearing Day. This year's motto: Take personal responsibility for hearing care. Aalen University of Applied Sciences not only conducts research into preventative measures, correct hearing care and long-term health care, but also trains qualified professionals in the degree programme "Audiology and Hearing Acoustics" to accompany demographic change and modern diseases.
The importance of noise prevention, regular hearing examinations from the age of 60 and early hearing aid fitting - these topics are the focus of this year's World Health Day. To mark World Hearing Day on March 3, there is a call to raise awareness of hearing health in all sections of the population. Employers, educational institutions and healthcare facilities are invited to integrate preventive measures into their daily routines and thus contribute to a sustainably healthy hearing culture. The "Audiology and Hearing Acoustics" degree programme at Aalen University of Applied Sciences also makes a valuable contribution to this by providing vocational training for future qualified professionals.
Noise protection as the foundation for good hearing
Noise is one of the most common risk factors for hearing loss. "Through targeted preventative measures, such as the use of hearing protection in loud environments and a conscious reduction of noise exposure in everyday life, we can effectively counteract many cases of avoidable hearing loss," explains Annette Limberger, Professor of Audiology at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. Some time ago, a study was carried out here on the noise exposure of recreational musicians. It showed that the levels clearly exceed healthy levels, especially during rehearsals, and that little attention is paid to hearing protection. "Normal earplugs can be a good remedy here, but individual hearing protection that does not affect the frequency response of the music as much as possible is also recommended for recreational and professional musicians," says Prof. Dr. Steffen Kreikemeier, Head / Director of the (. ) Degree Programme "Audiology and Hearing Acoustics", who also deals with hearing protection in an academic capacity.
Regular hearing tests to prevent dementia and depression
The risk of age-related hearing loss increases from the age of 60 in particular. Regular hearing tests enable early diagnosis and appropriate care. "Early diagnosis is crucial. They give those affected the opportunity to take prompt measures that not only preserve their hearing, but also contribute to a better quality of life," emphasizes Sabine Burr from the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities in Aalen. "These measures not only promote hearing health, but also help to reduce the risk of dementia and depression, for example," emphasize Limberger and Kreikemeier.
Recent Studies show that early hearing aid fitting has positive effects far beyond hearing alone. "Correcting hearing loss with modern hearing aids can help to prevent social isolation and significantly reduce the risk of cognitive impairments such as dementia and depression," explains Limberger. Hearing aids not only enable the restoration of hearing, but also promote mental health by strengthening communication and social interaction.
Further information
If you are affected by hearing loss or have problems with your hearing aids, Aalen University of Applied Sciences offers an advisory service, guidance, to this end. You can register for this at Hoerakustik@hs-aalen.de
Interested citizens can contact the following e-mail address with questions and suggestions regarding inclusion in the city of Aalen: Inklusion@aalen.de
