Routes of healing and care of elderly individuals with hearing loss

Abstract

Hearing loss is one of the greatest problems affecting the health quality of the constantly growing elderly population in Brazil. When it occurs, as in other disease situations, people seek for different solutions, whether they lie in professional health care or not. This qualitative study aimed to understand the routes of healing and care described by elderly individuals with hearing loss. We conducted semi-structured interviews with subjects who had a medical prescription for a hearing aid device and who participated in an elderly support group in an audiology service. Data were presented in two analysis categories: 1) The perception that the subjects and their families have of hearing loss; 2) Routes of healing and care. The subjects discussed the negative implications of hearing loss for living with their family. We identified the search for solutions in the informal, popular and professional health care systems. In all those situations, the subjects mentioned the search for a definitive cure, which was not found. In the professional health care system, they received the indication of hearing aids as the only "solution". At this point, we identified difficulties to access the indicated treatment and lack of support and follow-up after the subjects bought the hearing aid. Participation in the elderly group was a positive aspect, as it seemed to be a strategy that provided shelter and an environment of disease acceptance, leading to enhanced adherence to treatment. The communication between patient and health professional can be improved when the latter is capable of understanding the health problem from the elderly patient's point of view.