Impact of hearing impairment in the elderly and potential for promising developments

Abstract

Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) is a representative geriatric condition. Our estimates of the size of the hearing-impaired elderly population in Japan have yielded a figure of 15 million according to population-based studies. Control of ARHI is one of the most important issues Japan currently faces. The negative impacts of ARHI on the individual or on society as a whole include decreased cognitive function, psychosocial impairments, increased social isolation, need for healthcare, and mortality. The effectiveness of intervention for ARHI, such as hearing aid usage, to prevent the development of dementia or depression is not known. As the elderly age further, the benefits of hearing aids are rarely recognized because of poor speech intelligibility. It is necessary to educate hearing-impaired individuals and the public about hearing training and rehabilitation using hearing aids.