Epidemiology of age related hearing loss

Abstract

Epidemiological studies provide important information about prevalence and incidence values of hearing loss in old age. Such information about age related hearing loss is necessary for the planning of the rehabilitation of elderly people. In this review almost 30 epidemiological research projects are presented. All these projects use audiometric methods, and questionnaires are also often used. Global perspective is emphasised. Some results are presented, although only briefly, because of the enormous amount of information included.

Key words::

• epidemiological studies
• demographic trends
• cross-sectional and longitudinal designs
• clinical audiometry
• computerized screening audiometry

Acknowledegement

The study was supported by the Foundation Tysta Skolan.

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.