Download HEARING LOSS in Older Adults

HEARING LOSS IN OLDER ADULTS
It is estimated that over 6 million people 65 and over have hearing loss. 30-60% of population 65 and older have hearing impairment. Hearing
loss is the 3rd most prevalent chronic condition behind HTN and OA. Only 25% of patients who would benefit from hearing aids after testing
actually get them.
Key Messages
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Identify if hearing loss is a problem for our patients 65 and up.
Treat any immediately reversible causes (cerumen or effusion). These are usually CONDUCTIVE causes.
Refer to Audiology for audiometric testing for hearing aids or to ENT for treatment if any surgical
intervention is warranted and feasible for patient.
There are some auditory assistance devices we can suggest to patients if they can’t afford hearing aids.
Middle Ear Effusion –
Perulent
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural
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Middle Ear EffusionSerous
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Most common form in aging for hearing
decline over time.
Sensorineural hearing loss due to aging is
known as “presbycusis”
Due to damage to neurons or hair cells
transmitting auditory signals to the brain for
interpretation.
Loud environments, neural tumors, viral
insults (acoustic neuritis)
Cholesteatoma
Conductive
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Due to mechanical damage or obstruction of
the middle ear or external auditory canal.
Middle Ear Issues:
• Effusions
• Trauma to boney structures or
tympanic membrane or growths
External auditory canal issues:
• Foreign body
• Inflammation or growths
Cerumen Impaction
Evaluation of Hearing Loss
Weber Test: Place the base of struck tuning fork on bridge of forehead, nose or teeth.
Normal: No lateralization of sound
Unilateral Conductive Loss : Sound lateralizes towards affected ear.
Unilateral Sensorineural Loss: Sound lateralizes to normal or better-hearing side
Rinne Test: Place the base of struck tuning fork on the mastoid bone behind the ear. Have patient
indicate when sound is no longer heard. Move fork (held at base) beside ear and ask if now audible.
Normal: AC > BC; patient can hear fork at ear.
Conductive Loss: BC > AC; patient will not hear fork at ear
AC = Air Conduction; BC = Bone Conduction
Funded by D.W. Reynolds Foundation
Tympanosclerosis
Chronically Perforated
Tympanic Membrane