Abstract
This contribution forms part of an epidemiological study of hearing in the elderly ≥ 80 years of age, living in an urban area. The study concentrates on the prevalence of self-reported hearing problems in a sample of subjects not provided with hearing aids (HAs), hearing level, and knowledge of and attitudes to HAs. Among the total population of 2915 ≥ 80 years of age, an age-and sex-matched sample of 565 subjects was invited to attend an extensive audiological evaluation, including a questionnaire, giving information on knowledge about and attitudes to HAs. Forty-one percent (n = 231) attended, and dividing the attenders into 5 or 10 year age bands showed that the better and worse ear hearing levels, averaged across 0.5-4 kHz (BEHL/WEHL0.5-4kHz), deteriorate significantly with increasing age, and that no differences as a function of gender could be found. The prevalence of self-reported hearing problems was 44% (n = 101), and among these 30% (n = 30) indicated the potential need for a HA. A significantly poorer BEHL0.5-4kHz was found in these subjects compared to those without hearing problems and/or need of a HA. In the total sample, 63% reported that a HA can ameliorate a hearing problem; however, 62% indicated that the HA should be invisible, and 28% that a HA makes you old'.