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Original Article

Hearing among 75-year-old people in three Nordic localities: A comparative study

La audición en personas de 75 años en tres comunidades nórdicas: un estudio comparativo

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Pages 500-508 | Received 29 Sep 2004, Published online: 07 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare auditory functions and to analyse the prevalence of hearing impairment and the relationship of self-reported hearing disability with audiometric test results among 75-year-old people in three Nordic localities. The representative samples came from Glostrup, Denmark (n=571), Göteborg, Sweden (n=450), and Jyväskylä, Finland (n=388). The median pure-tone thresholds were rather similar in all three populations. The prevalence of moderate hearing impairment varied between 26% and 34% in men, and between 17% and 23% in women. The corresponding figures in the prevalence of self-reported hearing difficulties were 41%–57%, and 28%–37%. The self-reported difficulties were broadly in accordance with the audiometric test results, but there also were individuals with conflicting results. It is concluded that the prevalence of hearing impairment in the three Nordic localities is fairly similar. To assess hearing disorders in elderly people, both audiometry and self-report data are needed.

Sumario

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la función auditiva y analizar la prevalencia de hipoacusia y la relación de la discapacidad auto-reportada con los resultados audiométricos entre personas de 75 años de tres localidades nórdicas. Las muestras provenían de Glostrup, Dinamarca (n=571), Goteborg, Suecia (n=450) y Jyväskylä, Finlandia (n=388). La media de umbral fue muy similar entre las tres poblaciones. La prevalencia de hipoacusia moderada varió entre 26% y 34% en hombres y entre 17% y 23% en mujeres. Los resultados correspondientes entre la prevalencia y la discapacidad auto-reportada fueron del 41%–57% y 28%–37%. Las dificultades auto-reportadas estuvieron en términos generales en concordancia con los resultados audiométricos, pero también hubo individuos con resultados conflictivos. Se concluye que la prevalencia de hipoacusia en las tres localidades nórdicas es bastante similar. Para evaluar las alteraciones auditivas en las personas mayores, son necesarias tanto las pruebas audiométricas como los datos de la auto-evaluación.

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