[Hearing examination program status in those aged 65 to 74--Knazawa hearing examination program findings]

The Kanazawa Otolaryngological Association has conducted a biennial hearing examination program for the Kanazawa City government since 2000 targeting persons aged 65 to 74 years. Studying results for 15,589 persons seen from 2000 to 2005 including 3247 undergoing more than one annual examination, we found results to be generally similar to those reported thus far. Of subjects, diagnosed with hearing loss, 16.4% were at 35dB or more. Almost 80% ranged from 35 to 50 dB. Aging was the most common cause of hearing impairment, followed by chronic otitis media at 5-8% and obstruction of the auditory tube (or secretory otitis media) at 3-5%. Of examinees with hearing impairment, 6-7% required treatment. High-frequency hearing loss (presbycusis) accounted for 40.0% of those 65-66 years old and 66.8% of those 73-74 years old. Among the 3247 persons undergoing more than one annual examination (mean followup: 6 years), those with obviously impaired hearing accounted for 2.1% with high-frequency hearing loss and 10.5% with no high-frequency hearing loss. Over 70% of those advised to use hearing aids were reluctant to do so. More work is thus needed with hearing-aid manufacturers to make devices more attractive to wear and use if we are to achieve the goals of the hearing examination program. Although we would like to continue the program by underlining the importance of hearing ability to administrative offices and local medical associations, there are limits on what local communities alone can do.