Comprehensive Management of Presbycusis: Central and Peripheral. Issue 4 (8th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parham, Kourosh; Lin, Frank R.; Coelho, Daniel H.; Sataloff, Robert T.; Gates, George A.
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 148:Issue 4(2013)
• Page Start: 537
• Page End: 539
• Publication Date: 2013-02-08
• Subjects: presbycusis -- age‐related hearing loss -- aging -- geriatric -- executive function -- cognitive function -- dichotic tasks -- speech‐in‐noise testing -- auditory rehabilitation -- cognitive decline -- hearing aid -- cochlear implant -- Alzheimer disease -- auditory neurotology; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599813477596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

Abstract : The prevailing otolaryngologic approach to treatment of age‐related hearing loss (ARHL), presbycusis, emphasizes compensation of peripheral functional deficits (ie, hearing aids and cochlear implants). This approach does not address adequately the needs of the geriatric population, 1 in 5 of whom is expected to consist of the "old old" in the coming decades. Aging affects both the peripheral and central auditory systems, and disorders of executive function become more prevalent with advancing age. Growing evidence supports an association between age‐related hearing loss and cognitive decline. Thus, to facilitate optimal functional capacity in our geriatric patients, a more comprehensive management strategy of ARHL is needed. Diagnostic evaluation should go beyond standard audiometric testing and include measures of central auditory function, including dichotic tasks and speech‐in‐noise testing. Treatment should include not only appropriate means of peripheral compensation but also auditory rehabilitative training and counseling.