Clinical Practice Guideline: Age-Related Hearing Loss Executive Summary

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Audiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is common in adults over 50.
• ARHL is underdiagnosed and undertreated, despite links to dementia, depression, and falls.
• Current clinical practice lacks standardized guidance for ARHL identification and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based recommendations for quality improvement in ARHL identification and management.
• To offer actionable statements for clinicians in all care settings.
• To target patients aged 50 and older with ARHL.

Main Methods:

• Development of Key Action Statements (KASs) by a Guideline Development Group (GDG).
• Focus on evidence-based quality improvement opportunities.
• Recommendations based on literature support and evidence quality evaluation.

Main Results:

• Strong recommendations for screening, audiograms, and amplification for ARHL.
• Recommendations for otoscopic examination, sociodemographic factor assessment, and treatment referrals.
• Emphasis on patient education, counseling, and goal assessment for hearing health.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians should screen older adults for hearing loss and provide timely interventions.
• Management should include audiograms, amplification, and referrals as needed.
• Ongoing assessment and patient-centered counseling are crucial for improving outcomes in ARHL.