Age-related hearing loss

Abstract

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is an extremely common and disabling condition among older adults. Its detrimental effects on communication can be felt in the emotional, cognitive and functional domains. Epidemiologic studies of age-related hearing loss provide us with knowledge about the prevalence and incidence of hearing loss in older adults, as well as intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may serve as risk factors for the development and/or progression of hearing loss. Overall, the prevalence of hearing loss (including high-frequency hearing loss) increases with age, and ARHL is more prevalent in men than in women and more common among White and Mexican-American individuals than among Black individuals. Risk factors for hearing loss include lower socioeconomic status, the presence of diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease, -cigarette smoking, exposure to toxic levels of noise, medication ototoxicity, lead exposure and genetic factors. Prevention methods primarily include limiting one's exposure to risk factors. While much hearing loss is not curable, there are strategies (e.g., conversation techniques, assistive devices) to aid individuals who have ARHL.