Objectives Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), also known as presbycusis, is a chronic disorder characterized by impairment of the transduction of acoustic signals. This study analysed the prevalence and demographic characteristics of ARHL in the Korean population. Methods We used the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2009 to 2012 and analysed the association between age and hearing impairment. A total of 16,799 adults were selected for the current study. Physical examinations, blood tests, otoscopic examinations, and hearing tests were performed. The demographic variables included age, gender, obesity, economic status, education level, noise exposure history, and underlying diseases. Results Among 16,799 participants, the prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 8% (1,349 people), and bilateral hearing loss was 5.9% (989 people). Men were 53.4% more likely to have hearing loss than women. Age and underlying diseases, like hypertension, diabetes, and abdominal obesity, were significantly associated with hearing loss (P < 0.0001). Further, mental health factors, such as cognitive function, depression, and suicidal ideation, were related to hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss increased with advancing years, especially in the high frequency of 6 kHz, with a sharply increase in patients aged 65 and over. Conclusion The analysis of auditory performance in the Korean population confirmed the association of high-frequency hearing loss with advancing age. A threshold of 6 kHz should be included to correctly diagnose hearing impairment in elderly patients. Patients with ARHL should be provided with suitable aural rehabilitation that includes active high-frequency control.
Background: Despite sufficient hearing gains, many patients with hearing loss have difficulty using hearing aids due to poor word recognition ability. This study was performed to introduce our hearing rehabilitation therapy (HRT) program for hearing aid users and to evaluate its effect on hearing improvement. Study Design: Prospective randomized case-control study.Subjects and Methods: Thirty-seven participants with moderate to moderate-severe sensorineural hearing loss who had used bilateral hearing aids for more than three months with sufficient functional hearing gain were enrolled in this study. Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to the control group (CG) and 18 patients were assigned to participate in our HRT program once a week for eight consecutive weeks (hearing rehabilitation therapy group, HRTG). Their hearing results and questionnaire scores regarding hearing handicap and hearing aid outcomes were prospectively collected and compared between the two groups. Results: After completing eight weeks of the HRT program, the HRTG showed significantly higher delta score of consonant-only and consonant-vowel sound perception compared to the CG (p<0.05). In addition, the HRTG had a significant improvement in hearing ability as measured by two questionnaires (p<0.05), while no differences were observed in the CG. However, word and sentence recognition test results did not show significant differences between the two groups.Conclusion: Even after short-term HRT, patients had subjectively better hearing outcomes and improved phoneme perception ability; this provides scientific evidence regarding a possible positive role for HRT programs in hearing aid users. Further validation in a larger population with a long-term follow-up study is needed.
Objective: Review of a sigmoid sinus diverticuli (SSDi) variants surgically managed with a novel technique using an inferior periosteal flap. Study Design: Case series. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Patients presenting with pulsatile tinnitus to a tertiary referral center between January 1, 2015, and June 31, 2021, who were diagnosed with SSDi variants on CT temporal bone and who received surgical management for these SSDi variants. Intervention(s): Obliteration of SSDi variants using a novel technique with an inferiorly based periosteal flap. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pure-tone audiometry, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score, and visual analogue scale score for tinnitus severity (loudness, awareness, annoyance, and effect on life). Results: Include statistical measures as appropriate. Conclusions: We would like to propose the use of an inferiorly based periosteal flap as an option for obliteration and concomitant hemostasis of more sizeable or complex (e.g., bifid) SSDi. Further study of this technique with a long-term follow-up will be needed to evaluate its long-term safety and efficacy.
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