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Adult Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common problem among older individuals. Approximately 25% to 40% of adults older than 65 years have some degree of hearing loss, and it is estimated that 40% to 66% of people aged 75 years and older have hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition among older Americans after high blood pressure and arthritis.
The April 16, 2003, issue of JAMA includes 2 articles on adult hearing loss.
TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
There are 2 major forms of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural.
Conductive hearing loss is usually due to abnormalities in the middle or external ear, such as a punctured eardrum, presence of fluid in the middle ear, or accumulation of cerumen (ear wax) in the external ear canal. These problems require evaluation by a doctor and can often be successfully treated.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the tiny hairs inside the cochlea that are crucial for picking up sound vibrations and translating them into nerve impulses. These impulses are relayed by the acoustic nerve to the brain, which interprets them as sound. Sensorineural hearing loss accounts for about 90% of hearing loss related to aging. Sensorineural hearing loss usually occurs gradually in both ears. Patients with sensorineural hearing loss often have a hard time filtering out background noises and tend to hear lower-pitched sounds better than higher-pitched sounds. Sensorineural hearing loss may be prevented by limiting exposure to loud noise. Ear protection (such as ear plugs) should be worn to dampen sound if loud noise is unavoidable.
Treatment of sensorineural hearing loss may involve the use of sound amplification devices like hearing aids. In cases of severe sensorineural hearing loss, a surgical procedure called cochlear implantation may be suggested. This procedure allows sound vibrations to bypass the hair cells and directly stimulate the acoustic nerve to transport sound signals to the brain.
Individuals with hearing loss should be evaluated by their primary care physician, who may refer them to an otolaryngologist (a doctor specializing in the ears, nose, and throat) or an audiologist (an expert in hearing testing and hearing aids) for further evaluation and treatment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
INFORM YOURSELF
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. They are available in English and Spanish.
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other print or online reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
Sources: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Audiology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Topic: AGING
Sharon Parmet, MS, Writer;
Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2003;289:2020.
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RELATED ARTICLES
Screening and Management of Adult Hearing Loss in Primary Care: Scientific Review
Bevan Yueh, Nina Shapiro, Catherine H. MacLean, and Paul G. Shekelle
JAMA. 2003;289(15):1976-1985.
ABSTRACT
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Screening and Management of Adult Hearing Loss in Primary Care: Clinical Applications
Sidney T. Bogardus, Jr, Bevan Yueh, and Paul G. Shekelle
JAMA. 2003;289(15):1986-1990.
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