VP Shunt Malfunction Simulation Case for Emergency Medicine Residents.

Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most prevalent and neglected sensory conditions of the 21st century, affecting more than 430 million people worldwide and representing one of the leading causes of disability, especially among adults and the elderly. It is estimated that, starting at age 60, approximately 20% of individuals have some degree of HL, which often goes undiagnosed or is not treated properly. The impact of HL extends beyond hearing itself and directly affects the quality of life, mental health, and social interactions of those affected. Hearing rehabilitation is considered an urgent demand for public health systems, given the context of global population aging, which is leading to a growing number of individuals with HL due to presbycusis. The use of hearing aids (HA) is considered one of the main therapeutic strategies to enhance auditory perception and improve communication. However, the effectiveness of HA extends beyond audiometric gains, as they have an impact on various aspects of daily life, such as autonomy, social participation, occupational performance, and emotional well-being. In order to assess the impact of these issues on an individual’s quality of life, it is necessary to adopt the biopsychosocial model, which views health as the result of the interaction between biological aspects and contextual, environmental, and personal factors. In this scenario, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) defines “functioning” as an overarching term for the positive aspects of interaction, while “disability” reflects the negative aspects, such as limitations and restrictions on participation. In the context of audiology, the ICF allows functionality to be understood as an umbrella term for the positive aspects of hearing health, while disability reflects the challenges individuals face in their daily activities and social participation.