Hearing Impairment in Old Age

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hearing impairment associated with old age (presbycusis) is becoming more common because the population is aging. METHODS This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in Medline and Google Scholar, including individual studies, meta-analyses, guidelines, Cochrane reviews, and other reviews. RESULTS The cardinal symptom of presbycusis is impaired communication due to bilateral hearing impairment. Patients may be unaware of the problem for a long time because of its insidious progression. Evidence suggests that untreated hearing impair- ment in old age can have extensive adverse effects on the patient's mental, physical, and social well-being. Early detection is possible with the aid of simple diagnostic tests or suitable questionnaires. In most cases, bilateral hearing aids are an effective treatment. Surgery is rarely indicated. For patients with uni- or bilateral deafness, a cochlear implant is the treatment of choice. These treatments can improve many patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION The small amount of evidence that is currently available suggests that presbycusis is underdiagnosed and under- treated in Germany. Early detection by physicians of all specialties, followed in each case by a specialized differential diagnostic evaluation, is a desirable goal.