Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic conditions in the adult population and represents a growing challenge for healthcare systems and people's quality of life. Despite its high incidence, especially in mild and moderate forms, this condition often remains under-recognized or untreated, partly due to cultural factors, social stigma, and difficulty accepting the problem.
To delve deeper into new clinical and technological perspectives in the early management of hearing loss, theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma hosted the conference on Monday 8 June "New frontiers of hearing rehabilitation in mild and moderate deafness", promoted in collaboration with UCBM Academy ed Essilor Luxottica.
The initiative, which took place in the Aula Magna of the University, brought together specialists, researchers and experts in the audiology and ENT fields For a multidisciplinary discussion dedicated to the evolution of care pathways, the latest scientific evidence, and emerging technologies supporting hearing health.
The proceedings were opened by the Prof. Manuele Casale, Director of the Conference and Full Professor of Otolaryngology at theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, who introduced the theme of innovation MedTech applied to the prevention and management of hearing disorders. Among the interventions, particular attention was also dedicated to the experience of EssilorLuxottica and the company's evolution from the sectoreyewear to that of medical technologies.
One of the main scientific focuses of the meeting concerned the new "open-ear" technologies and the most recent international clinical evidence. During the conference, the potential of innovative acoustic solutions integrated into the smart glasses, designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices use directional microphones and discrete amplification systems to improve hearing in complex everyday situations, such as noisy work environments, crowded restaurants, or family conversations.
Data and analyses from international studies and research centres were also presented, including the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), which show significant benefits in understanding speech in the presence of competing noise and in reducing listening effort. Professor Roberto tree In particular, he examined the audiometric results obtained through new integrated acoustic amplification solutions.
The central moment of the event was the round table dedicated to the management of mild and moderate hearing loss, which saw the comparison between the main schools of Otorhinolaryngology in Rome and some of the most authoritative specialists in the sector, including Professor Jacopo Galli, Professor Stefano Di Girolamo and Professor Daniele De Seta.
The debate highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and the availability of increasingly accessible, discreet, and easily adoptable tools, capable of promoting greater awareness of the problem and guiding patients towards structured and personalized treatment pathways.
In a healthcare context increasingly oriented towards prevention and personalisation of care, new technologies are configured as complementary tools to traditional rehabilitation treatments, helping to intercept hearing problems early and promote timely care.
"In Italy, overall, people with hearing problems are estimated to be around 12% of the population and approximately 40% of people over 75 have significant hearing loss. - he recalled the Prof. Manuele Casale, ordinary UCBM, director of the Otolaryngology Unit of the FPUCBM, Rector's Delegate for UCBM Academy and Simulation Center - With the conference, we gave further meaning to our motto "Science for Man." When technology and industry meet the needs of people's health, as in this case, we are confident we have made a step forward for people's well-being. The presence of Rome's ENT specialist schools was crucial: a presence that confirms the scientific value of this initiative on a topic that engages a growing number of citizens every year.
"The collaboration between the Campus Bio-Medico University and EssilorLuxottica represents the concrete application of a method: training, collaboration, scientific support up to the realization of concrete projects such as acoustic glasses. - he stressed Rossella Ferreri, responsible for UCBM Academy - As a UCBM At the Academy, we are at the center of these processes, bringing together hundreds of professionals every year through our courses and master's programs. As teachers and students, they get to know each other and interact, laying the foundation for new collaborations.
