Prevalence of hearing problems, and use of hearing aids among a sample of elderly patients

Deterioration of hearing with advancing age is well documented. However, the proportion of elderly people with hearing problems who wear hearing aids is low.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hearing disability in a group of elderly patients in hospital and to determine their attitudes to hearing difficulties and the wearing of hearing aids.

A random sample of patients who were convalescing were interviewed. A detailed questionnaire was administered to patients regarding their hearing difficulties.

A total of 79 patients were recruited. Twenty two patients were excluded because of low mental test scores, hence 57 patients (72%) were eligible for inclusion into the study. Thirty eight patients were women (mean age 81 years) and 19 were men (mean age 79 years). Thirty patients (53%) reported difficulties with their hearing, of whom 12 had hearing aids. Seventeen patients had consulted their general practitioner about their difficulties, 15 of whom had been referred for audiological examination. Thirteen patients chose not to consult about their hearing problems, to 'suffer in silence'. Of the 12 patients with hearing aids three reported discomfort or pain and five reported problems such as an ill-fitting hearing aid and excessive amplification. Six patients said they wore their hearing aid for less than four hours a day.

Almost all patients consulting their general practitioner with hearing problems were referred for audiological examination but subsequent follow up, especially of problems with hearing aids, was poor. Better health education and case finding is indicated and patients with hearing aids must be questioned specifically about problems when they consult health professionals. Proper assessment, screening and follow up has implications for resources and training, especially of practice nurses.