How Modern Technologies can be Helpful in Speech and Hearing Disorders and Sensory Organ Deterioration in the Elderly

The average life expectancy has increased significantly in recent years, with the global average now standing at 73 years for women and 68 years for men. Within the European Union, the corresponding figures are 83 years for women and 77 years for men. According to Eurostat, in 2022, 20% of the population within the European Union is older than 65. Furthermore, one-third of people in this age group suffer from hearing-related disorders. The increase in life expectancy is associated with the emergence of specific challenges for older adults and the necessity to implement appropriate measures to ensure rational healthcare for this demographic.

Impairment of the sensory organs, including hearing and parts of the nervous system, is age-related and it can lead to severe cognitive and communicative impairments thereby having a profound impact on an individual's quality of life. Sensory disturbances in the upper gastrointestinal tract may lead to swallowing disorders in the form of choking. Balance disorders are a more complex problem, as they are combined with a deterioration in the functioning of several sense organs simultaneously.

Modern technologies in the form of implantable devices or applications available on mobile phones can be employed to improve the quality of life in this age group, and they are increasingly used in the treatment process, facilitating self-monitoring of rehabilitation or treatment. At the same time, one of the specific problems associated with ageing is a reduced ability to learn, which is particularly true of modern technology. Consequently, one of the key objectives of the modern healthcare system is to identify the specific challenges associated with impaired cognitive processes in the senior population and to implement appropriate prevention and treatment strategies, utilizing modern technologies, in order to ensure that patients maintain their independence and physical, mental and social health for as long as possible.

This Research Topic aims to explore the impact of technological advancements on diagnosing, managing, and treating sensory organs impairments among the elderly. We wish to evaluate modern technologies in terms of their effectiveness in improving the quality of life for older adults. By investigating the integration of these technologies into daily living and healthcare practices, we aim to identify best practices, enhance accessibility, and promote the development of innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of the aging population. Ultimately, the objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding that informs practitioners, caregivers, and policymakers, leading to better support and improved outcomes for elderly individuals facing sensory organ deterioration.

This Research Topic welcomes all article types accepted by the journal (including original research, reviews and systematic reviews), pertaining but not limited to the following themes:
- Exploration of new technologies for rehabilitation and treatment of sensory impairment in the elderly
- Impact of implantation devices on speech and language impairment
- The effectiveness of digital therapies in speech and auditory training
- Integration of wearable devices in therapeutic regimens
- The utilization of novel technologies in the rehabilitation of vestibular disorders
- The potential benefits of new technologies in enhancing the quality of life of senior citizens with diverse forms of sensory impairment.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: hearing aids, cochlear implants, speech, voice modern technologies, hearing and speech disorders, rehabilitation, cognitive disorders, hearing, sensory organ deterioration

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.