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#### **Chapter 6 Provisional chapter**

#### **Hearing Impairment in Old Age Hearing Impairment in Old Age**

#### Gro Gade Haanes Gro Gade Haanes

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/66372

#### **Abstract**

#### **Background**

Age related hearing impairment is a risk factor for functional decline, reduced social participation and accidents.

#### **Aims**

To obtain knowledge about the characteristics of age related hearing impairments and to help elderly optimize their hearing function.

#### **Design and method**

Study 1; Baseline description of data on hearing impairments. Study 2; ROC curve to compare self-assessments with a gold standard test. Study 3; RCT to test whether removal of earwax, and referral to a specialist can improve functional hearing.

#### **Results**

More than 90% had hearing impairments. Mean PTAV was 40,4 dB. Self-assessment of hearing function with a single global question correlated only weakly with the PTAV measurements. Comparison yielded 18 false negatives, indicating many reported their hearing as good when the standardized test indicated that it was not.

#### **Conclusion**

Elderly people live with hearing impairments not sufficiently attended to. Asking about their hearing with a single global question will not provide accurate information. It is necessary to use standardized tests in addition. When asking more detailed questions about communication abilities, the elderly reported having difficulties. Many elderly could not be expected to do all the self-care activities necessary to improve their functional hearing. Close monitoring and assistance is recommended.

**Keywords:** hearing loss, hearing impairment, sensory impairment, old age, elderly

and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
