The relationship between family, society, and mental health in hearing impairment discussed

The second “2 Listen 1 Speak” Talks event was organized this year by Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Audiometry Program. At the event, held with the theme of “Hearing Impairment and Psychology,” the psychological effects of hearing loss on individuals, family dynamics, and the level of awareness in society were comprehensively discussed. At the same time, it aimed to increase students' awareness of the sector by bringing together academic knowledge and field experience. Furthermore, within the scope of the event, the survey results obtained from the “2 Listen 1 Speak” Talks program held in 2025 were also shared with the participants. 

Instructor Ayşe Gül Elsharkawy from Üsküdar University Audiometry Program coordinated the event, while the program's guest was Clinical Psychologist Dr. Aylin İpek Timur from Unitas Akademi, an expert in the psychology of hearing-impaired individuals. 

Students and academics from the Audiometry Program attended the event held at Üsküdar University South Campus Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall.

Instructor Ayşe Gül Elsharkawy: “We must take academic education beyond campus boundaries”

Instructor Ayşe Gül Elsharkawy, who delivered the opening speech of the event, emphasized that students should be equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with field experience.

Elsharkawy stated, “Since the very beginning of my professional life, I have believed that seeing certain things in the field would add great vision to our students. I have always aimed to share all my initial discoveries with students. Because I believe that taking academic education beyond campus boundaries and establishing sectoral connections will add great dynamism to all of us.”

In her speech, Elsharkawy stated that her passion for sound and audiology dates back to her student years, emphasizing the importance of combining theoretical education with field experience. Referring to projects she had undertaken in the past, Elsharkawy said; “In order to see the industrial equivalent of theoretical knowledge, in 2017, we organized the first technical trip for Audiology students to the Acoustics Laboratory at TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus, and immediately afterwards, to not miss the artistic dimension of sound, we hosted Doruk Somunkıran, the producer of TRT's 'From Sound to Music' documentary, at our school. I am proud that these organizations have left a lasting mark in the common memory of the department.”

Collaboration born from an academic journey...

Elsharkawy, who also moderated the talk, shared with the participants the process of meeting the event's guest, Dr. Aylin İpek Timur.

Elsharkawy stated that a disappointment she experienced during her academic studies led her to new research areas, and in this process, Dr. Timur's work inspired her.

Hearing impairment is not just a sensory deficiency…

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Aylin İpek Timur, one of the experts providing therapy services in sign language in Türkiye, made evaluations regarding the psychological dimensions of hearing impairment.

Timur stated that hearing loss should not be considered merely a sensory condition, noting that language deprivation and communication barriers increase the risk of social exclusion for individuals.

Timur pointed out that this situation can pave the way for psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, somatization, and paranoid thoughts, emphasizing the importance of hearing-impaired individuals accessing accessible mental health services.

Hearing loss affects the entire family system!

Timur emphasized that the diagnosis process affects not only the individual but the entire family, stating that families often experience emotions such as shock, guilt, shame, and anger.

Timur stated that intra-family roles can change, noting that mothers, in particular, often have to assume a 'translator' role between the child and other family members, which directly affects intra-family communication and burden sharing.

The event also discussed sign language therapy processes, mental health services for hearing-impaired individuals, and the status of specialization in this field in Türkiye.

Last year's survey results shared

Within the scope of the event, the survey results obtained from the “2 Listen 1 Speak” Talks program held in 2025 were also shared with the participants.

According to the research, among the main problems experienced by families are;

-Insufficient family support systems and lack of information (68.9%),

-Difficulty in coping with the emotional and behavioral changes of a family member with special needs (62.2%),

-Financial problems brought about by the process (44.4%),

-Problems created by the long-term caregiving role (33.3%) were identified.

The survey also drew attention to specific social wounds such as 'Peer bullying by normal individuals' (2.2%).

Among the sounds participants would most want to hear and be sad not to hear, 'Mother and family voices' ranked highest.

Positive change in prejudices towards hearing aids

The data shared at the event revealed that awareness efforts contributed to the reduction of prejudices against hearing aid and implant use.

In evaluations regarding the statement 'If I have hearing loss, I will not hesitate to wear a hearing aid or cochlear implant,' the rate of participants who agreed with this view was 72.7% before the event, which increased to 80% after the event. A decrease was observed in the rate of undecided participants.

Empathy-focused interviews conducted on campus

A special interview film prepared within the scope of the event was also presented to the participants.

Interviews conducted with students at Üsküdar University's Güney and Çarşı campuses addressed the difficulties faced by hearing-impaired individuals in daily life and issues of social awareness. The students' sincere responses were followed with great interest in the hall.

Intergenerational music bridge in Audiometry

One of the remarkable parts of the event was the live music recital.

The performance by Merve İpek Kalsın, a 2024 graduate of the Audiometry Program, and second-year student Mücahit Boztepe, was followed with great interest by the participants. The recital, which brought together alumni and students on the same stage, created a symbolic bridge between the department's past and future.

Certificates of appreciation presented to participants

At the end of the event, which was also supported by academics and sector representatives, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Aylin İpek Timur was presented with a plaque, certificate of appreciation, sapling certificate, and Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan's book titled 'Psychology of Wisdom' for her contributions.

Additionally, certificates of appreciation and sapling certificates were given to the volunteer Audiometry Program students who took part in the event, which concluded with a group photo session.