Life (Apr 2024)

Early Detection of Hearing Loss among the Elderly

  • Sol Ferrán,
  • Raquel Manrique-Huarte,
  • Janaina P. Lima,
  • Carla Rodríguez-Zanetti,
  • Diego Calavia,
  • Constanza Jimena Andrade,
  • David Terrasa,
  • Alicia Huarte,
  • Manuel Manrique

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040471
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 4
p. 471

Abstract

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Background: Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a complex communication disorder that affects the cochlea and central auditory pathway. The goal of this study is to characterize this type of hearing loss and to identify non-invasive, inexpensive, and quick tests to detect ARHL among elderly adults, seeking to preserve quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Methods: An observational, prospective study is conducted with >55-year-old subjects divided into the following groups: normal range (Group A), detected but not treated (Group B), and detected and treated (Group C). During follow-up, Speech Spatial Qualities (SSQ12), and Hearing Handicap Inventory in the Elderly Screening test (HHIE-S) questionnaires were assessed, along with hearing levels (hearing thresholds at 4 kHz were studied in more depth), and a series of tests and questionnaires to assess balance, cognitive level, level of dependence, and depression. Results: A total of 710 patients were included in this study. The duration of hearing loss (11.8 yr. in Group B and 21.0 yr. in Group C) and average time-to-treatment for Group C (14.1 yr.) are both protracted. Both of the used questionnaires show statistically significant differences among the groups, revealing greater handicaps for Group C. Audiometry performed at 4 kHz shows how hearing loss progresses with age, finding differences between men and women. There is a correlation between time-to-treatment in Group C and the cognitive test DSST (−0.26; p = 0.003). Conclusions: HHIE-S, SSQ12, and 4 kHz audiometry are sensitive and feasible tests to implement in screening programs.

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