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Hearing handicap as a function of central auditory abilities in the elderly
K M Fire1, S A Lesner, C Newman
1University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58202-8040.
The American Journal of Otology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Central auditory nervous system (CANS) dysfunction significantly correlates with hearing handicap in older adults, even with mild hearing loss. This suggests CANS status is crucial for understanding perceived hearing difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hearing loss is common in older adults.
- Central auditory nervous system (CANS) function may impact perceived hearing handicap.
- Mild hearing sensitivity loss can be associated with significant communication challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CANS dysfunction and hearing handicap in older adults with mild hearing sensitivity loss.
- To determine if CANS status predicts self-perceived hearing handicap.
- To explore these relationships while accounting for hearing sensitivity and age.
Main Methods:
- Study included 30 older adults with mild hearing sensitivity loss.
- Self-perceived hearing handicap assessed using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly.
- CANS involvement quantified by the discrepancy between PB-50 word lists and Synthetic Sentence Identification test scores.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations found between self-perceived hearing handicap and CANS status.
- These correlations remained significant after controlling for auditory sensitivity.
- The relationship persisted even when controlling for participant age.
Conclusions:
- Central auditory nervous system status is a significant factor in the hearing handicap experienced by older adults.
- Perceived hearing handicap is not solely explained by peripheral hearing sensitivity.
- Clinical assessments should consider CANS function in older adults with hearing difficulties.