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Hearing loss in older adults
Anne D Walling1, Gretchen M Dickson
1University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS 67214-3199, USA.
American Family Physician
|September 12, 2012
Summary
Hearing loss is common in older adults, affecting men more than women. Early screening and management, including hearing aids and addressing causes, can improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Geriatrics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hearing loss is prevalent in adults, particularly those over 60, with men experiencing greater severity and earlier onset.
- Age-related hearing loss is common, but various conditions can impede sound conduction and neural processing.
- Risk factors include noise exposure and ototoxic medications, necessitating screening in adults aged 50-60.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies for hearing loss in adults.
- To emphasize the importance of early screening and diagnosis.
- To discuss barriers to effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on hearing loss prevalence, risk factors, and diagnostic methods.
- Discussion of clinical screening tests (whispered voice, audioscopy) and audiometry.
- Analysis of management options, including addressing underlying causes and rehabilitative approaches.
Main Results:
- Hearing loss affects a significant portion of older adults, with higher prevalence in men.
- Risk factors like noise and ototoxic drugs are identifiable through patient history.
- Audiometric testing is crucial for diagnosis, and urgent assessment is needed for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Management involves treating reversible causes and optimizing residual hearing with devices and programs.
- Barriers to treatment include underrecognition, perception of aging, and nonadherence to hearing aids.
- Early detection and comprehensive management are key to improving hearing in older adults.