A Perspective on Auditory Wellness: What It Is, Why It Is Important, and How It Can Be Managed

Larry E. Humes*, Sumitrajit Dhar, Vinaya Manchaiah, Anu Sharma, Theresa H. Chisolm, Michelle L. Arnold, Victoria A. Sanchez

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

During the last decade, there has been a move towards consumer-centric hearing healthcare. This is a direct result of technological advancements (e.g., merger of consumer grade hearing aids with consumer grade earphones creating a wide range of hearing devices) as well as policy changes (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration creating a new over-the-counter [OTC] hearing aid category). In addition to various direct-to-consumer (DTC) hearing devices available on the market, there are also several validated tools for the self-assessment of auditory function and the detection of ear disease, as well as tools for education about hearing loss, hearing devices, and communication strategies. Further, all can be made easily available to a wide range of people. This perspective provides a framework and identifies tools to improve and maintain optimal auditory wellness across the adult life course. A broadly available and accessible set of tools that can be made available on a digital platform to aid adults in the assessment and as needed, the improvement, of auditory wellness is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalTrends in Hearing
Volume28
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2024

Keywords

  • aural rehabilitation
  • hearing function
  • intervention
  • wellness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Speech and Hearing

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