A new study published in the Journals of Gerontology reported that hearing loss is prevalent in about two thirds of adults age 70 and older. Hearing instrument use was reported at approximately 40% in those with moderate hearing loss and only 3% for those with mild hearing loss.
The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, examined audiometry results, and obtained demographic and potential epidemiological factors (i.e. noise exposure) via interviews from 717 older adults. The researchers, from Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland and the National Institute on Aging, defined hearing loss in this study as a speech frequency Pure Tone Average (PTA) of greater than 25 dB in the better ear.
Among the authors' conclusions is the statement that more research is needed to determine the role of hearing instruments for people with mild hearing loss.
For a copy of the study or a subscription to the journal, please visit biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/
Reference
Lin, F.R., Thorpe, R., Gordon-Salant, S. & Ferruccio, L. (2011). Hearing loss prevalence and risk factors among older adults in the United States. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. doi: 10.1093. First published online: February 27, 2011.
New Study Reports 2 out of 3 Americans Over Age 70 Have Hearing Loss
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