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Dr. Sarah Tune explores hearing in old age: insights and challenges!
On April 29, 2025, Dr. Sarah Tune gave an inaugural lecture on hearing in old age at the University of Lübeck. Topic: Communication and hearing performance.
Dr. Sarah Tune explores hearing in old age: insights and challenges!
On April 29, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. the inaugural lecture by Dr. Sarah Tune instead. It is entitled “How do hearing and listening work in old age?” and aims to shed light on the challenges of communication in old age. This event is the conclusion of your habilitation in the field of psychology.
A central concern of Dr. Tune is the analysis of the importance of successful communication for the social participation of older people. It becomes clear that everyday situations, such as the babble of voices on public transport or background music in cafés, represent a significant burden. The age-related loss of hearing sensitivity also makes it difficult to understand speech.
Recent research findings on hearing impairments
The need to take a closer look at the issue of hearing in old age is also supported by current studies. A qualitative study by Melina Branding and others focused on the challenges that hearing impairments pose for staff and residents in residential care facilities. This study, published in the journal, notes that over 50% of people over 80 experience severe hearing loss.
The results show that the impairments make communication between residents and nursing staff significantly more difficult. This leads to affected residents often participating less in group activities and withdrawing. Access to appropriate hearing care services is often associated with hurdles, which further reduces the quality of life of these individuals.
Neurobiological perspectives and strategies
Dr. Tune's inaugural lecture will also include a neurobiological approach to studying successful listening in old age. The strategies that the aging brain develops to stabilize hearing performance despite declining sensory perceptions are the focus of her considerations. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the differences in hearing performance and to predict future developments.
The discussion about insights, limits and open questions in the research field will be Dr. Tune's lecture rounds off. Optimized care structures, target group-specific aids and training courses for employees in care facilities are urgently needed in order to meet the challenges of hearing care for older people.
The inaugural lecture not only promises valuable insights into the complex connections between hearing and listening in old age, but also gives hope for advances in research that could ultimately improve the quality of life of older people.