The ethical aspect of working with audiology patients: the relationship between hearing and cognitive function

Abstract

Currently, the prevalence of hearing loss in the population is extremely high both among elderly and younger patients due to the prolonged and intense load on the auditory analyzer. Auditory disorders are currently one of the most important geriatric and ethical problems, since it has a significant negative impact on a human’s emotional and physical condition, and is the cause of conflicts with other people. According to the research done in recent decades, there is a relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline, which can be assessed using the MCAS (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale) test. This article presents a clinical case of a patient with progressive sensorineural hearing loss and, as a result, a decrease in cognitive functions, as well as the ethical aspect of the work of an ENT specialist with audiology patients.