Impactos da presbiacusia no cotidiano do idoso: implicações biopsicossociais

Abstract

Introduction: Presbycusis can be defined as an auditory disorder that occurs naturally with the aging of the individual and increases over the years. The changes that occur in the central auditory pathways are significant, with the loss of ganglion cells and the decrease in the quantity of nerve cells, which contributes to the hearing impairment of the elderly. Among all the difficulties triggered by aging, the inability to communicate with other people due to hearing loss stands out, which can be one of the most frustrating consequences, leading to psychosocial problems. Objective: The objective of this study is to review the literature on presbycusis and the impacts on the life of the elderly. Method: this is a literature review with a qualitative approach. The study was based on articles in Portuguese published between 2010 and 2020. The Google Scholar and Scielo databases were used. Results: 13 articles were found, whose reading and analysis served as a basis for the considerations of the discussion of this work. It was observed that 5 articles were written exclusively by speech therapists and another 7 had the speech therapist as co-author. Conclusion: Presbycusis is part of the natural process of senescence. Understanding the pathophysiology of auditory aging ensures efficient intervention and rehabilitation, which contributes to reducing the effects that this disorder has on elderly people. The speech therapist is essential during the follow-up of patients with presbycusis, from guidelines to rehabilitation.