Hearing

Hearing Loss in Older Adults

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Hearing Loss in Older Adults

  • Epidemiology
  1. Hearing declines by 1 dB per year after age 60
  2. Incidence Hearing Loss of 25 dB or more
    1. Age 60 to 70 years: 37%
    2. Age 71 to 80 years: 60%
    3. Age over 85 years: 80%
  3. References
    1. Gates (1990) Ear Hear 11(4):247-56
  1. Alcohol Abuse
  2. Family History of early Hearing Loss
  3. Progestin use
  4. Ototoxic Medications
  5. Male gender
  6. Loud noise exposure
  7. Medical conditions
    1. Diabetes Mellitus
    2. Renal Failure
    3. Atherosclerosis
    4. Head Injury
    5. Immunosuppression