09-09, 15:00–15:30 (Europe/Istanbul), Hearing Aids 1
Description:
This round table session will explore the multifaceted impact of hearing aid use on cognitive function and subjective tinnitus among patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The discussion will bring together audiologists, neurologists, cognitive scientists, and patient advocates to examine current research, clinical experiences, and patient-reported outcomes related to the cognitive benefits and tinnitus management facilitated by hearing aids. Key topics include mechanisms by which hearing amplification may influence cognitive load, tinnitus perception, and overall quality of life. The session aims to identify gaps in understanding and outline collaborative approaches to optimize hearing aid interventions for cognitive and tinnitus-related outcomes.
Outcome Objectives:
Understand the relationship between hearing aid use and cognitive function in patients with SNHL, including potential mechanisms underlying cognitive improvements.
Discuss the impact of hearing aids on subjective tinnitus symptoms and the variability in patient responses.
Identify clinical strategies for assessing and managing tinnitus and cognitive challenges in hearing aid users.
Background:
Sensorineural hearing loss is frequently accompanied by cognitive decline and tinnitus, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that hearing aids not only improve auditory input but may also alleviate cognitive burden by enhancing auditory processing, thereby potentially slowing cognitive decline. Similarly, hearing aids may modulate tinnitus perception, although outcomes vary widely among individuals.
Despite growing interest, the mechanisms linking hearing aid use with cognitive and tinnitus outcomes remain inadequately understood. There is a need for interdisciplinary dialogue to consolidate knowledge, identify research priorities, and refine clinical practices. This session will serve as a platform to integrate current evidence with practical insights from diverse stakeholders, fostering a holistic approach to managing SNHL and its associated cognitive and tinnitus-related challenges.
Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Head&Neck Surgeon, Fellow in Otology at the University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice in Zagreb, Croatia.
Professional expertise covers the whole breadth of otorhinolaryngology with a specific focus on otology, audiovestibulology, rhinology and plastic-reconstructive surgery, thyroid, parathyroid surgery and academic medicine.
Passed the European Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Board Exam, examiner status from 2023.
Fluent in English and German.
Training in Landesklinikum Graz, St. Poelten, AKH Wien, AAF Salzburg, Austria, Prosper-Hospital Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Recklinghausen, Germany, Diakonessenhuis and Antoni Van Leeuvenhoek Clinic in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Causse Clinic in France, Institute for Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cranial Base Surgery Center, University of Pennsylvania, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles and the Michigan Ear Institute in Ann Arbor, USA.
My PhD research focused on experimental oncology, translation research, authored 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers, 14 book chapters, edited and authored one university textbook, with an active reviewer status in 62 international scientific journals and Editor in two.
