Self-assessment of hearing problems in an elderly population. A longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hearing impairment is a common age-related condition affecting quality of life.
• Population studies are crucial for understanding the prevalence and progression of hearing loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and progression of self-reported hearing difficulties in an aging population.
• To explore gender differences in hearing problems and tinnitus.
• To assess the utility of specific listening situations for identifying hearing amplification needs.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 386 probands from a Swedish city, assessed at ages 70, 75, and 79.
• Questionnaires were used to gather data on hearing difficulties in various social contexts and tinnitus.
• Comparison between two birth cohorts (1901-02 and 1906-07) at age 70.

Main Results:

• Over 95% of 70-year-olds accurately estimated their hearing capacity.
• Subjective hearing problems increased with age, though 86% at 79 reported no or only mild/moderate difficulties.
• Males reported more hearing problems than females; tinnitus prevalence was 8% for both genders.
• Hearing difficulties in challenging listening situations were worse in the younger cohort (born 1906-07) compared to the older cohort (born 1901-02) at age 70.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported hearing difficulties generally increase with age, but many older adults maintain functional hearing.
• Assessing hearing difficulties in specific listening situations, like one-on-one conversations, may help identify the need for hearing aids.
• Longitudinal data reveals cohort effects, suggesting environmental or lifestyle factors may influence hearing health across generations.