Hearing loss in older people is a problem around the globe

by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition

Photo credit: Raluca-Ioana Dascălu

A study done by Chinese researchers analyzing data from the Global Burden of Disease database shows that hearing loss in older age groups, commonly but misleadingly called age-related hearing loss, is an international problem. The research, published in BMC Geriatrics, showed that approximately 14% of adults over 60 had hearing loss. The statistical methods used are beyond my understanding, so I caution that the results may need confirmation by other studies.

The article notes that hearing loss is preventable, and is a modifiable risk factor for chronic disability and cognitive decline. Hearing loss is a problem especially for middle-income countries, but even high-income countries cannot afford to provide hearing health care to all who need it. The only treatment for hearing loss in adults is amplification, such as hearing aids, with cochlear implantation reserved for the profoundly hearing impaired.

In the United States, hearing health care in both private and government health care programs is limited, and coverage of hearing aids beyond the pediatric years is virtually non-existent. Some Medicare Advantage plans advertise hearing aid coverage, but there may be copayments or deductibles. Medicare recently included coverage of cochlear implantation for beneficiaries, subject to the usual benefit limitations and copayments.

Hearing loss is not part of normal physiological aging, but largely represents the effect of cumulative lifetime noise exposure. Preventing noise-induced hearing loss is simple and inexpensive. If it sounds loud, it’s too loud and one’s auditory health is at risk. Turn down the volume, leave the noisy environment or use hearing protection and one’s hearing should last a lifetime.