Understading the gaps in hearing loss diagnosis and correction: a mixed-methods approach
Description: In the last decades, the prevalence of dementia has been increasing worldwide, highlighting the importance of developing preventive measures. Hearing loss has been identified as a relevant modifiable risk factor for dementia, and its correction presupposes the use of hearing aids, which are associated with greater functional ability and quality of life. Despite these benefits, low hearing help-seeking behaviors and adherence to hearing aids have been described. As such, this project aims to explore the awareness of hearing loss, identify the main barriers and facilitators of diagnosing and treating hearing loss, as well as to analyze adherence to hearing aids and its effect on cognitive performance. The objectives will be accomplished through a mixed-methods approach, including patients and healthcare professionals. The results of this study may contribute to delineating patient-centered policies aiming to ameliorate diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and, ultimately, to promote healthy ageing and decrease dementia burden.
Amount: €42,430
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: FCT
Start date: 2025-08-01
End date: 2029-07-31
Investigator: Micaela Lopes Gonçalves
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 2024.02307.BD
OpenAlex ID: G967419616