Hearing impairment among adults - extent of the problem and scientific evidence on the outcome of hearing aid rehabilitation

Abstract

Scienti c surveys on current and estimated prevalence of hearing impairment (HI) in adult populations ( ¶ 18 years of age) in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and scienti c reports on the outcome of hearing aid (HA) rehabilitation worldwide were reviewed. Only a few of the studies meet strict scienti c criteria, and many locally clinically relevant studies cannot be generalized to larger populations . Population-based studies indicate an increase in prevalence of HI with age, but because of differences in study populations and available national population statistics, the studies do not allow reliable comparisons between countries or estimation of future prevalence of HI. Studies on HA prescription or outcomes do not provide uniform data in favour of non-linear ampli cation, but they do show some subject preference for the newer technology. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the degree of HI and the effects of ampli cation. The literature review alone gives only limited information regarding the extent of the problem of HI in adult populations in the target countries. Similarly, only a few studies on HA outcome meet strict scienti c criteria and even fewer studies correlate rehabilitation outcome with the degree of HI, disability or handicap.

Adult Aural Rehabilitation: What Is It and Does It Work?

“…Most of the research studies on which these conclusions are based were actually designed to compare hearing aid processing or prescription strategies. [15][16][17] The overall benefit in terms of function and activity, regardless of strategy, is clear. 18 There is also evidence to support carryover to participation and quality of life.…”

Stapes Surgery: A 32-Year Follow-Up

“…In their population-based study on hearing impairment among adults, Maki-Torkko et al [11] showed that in Great Britain the prevalence of hearing loss in the 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80 age groups was 8.2, 18.9, 36.8 and 60.2 dB, respectively, and in Finland at ages 45, 55, 65, 75 hearing loss was 6.6, 15.9, 37.2 and 64.5 dB, respectively. The mean age of the patients in our study was 71 years during the 32-year follow-up, and postoperative AC (hearing impairment) was 57 dB.…”

Epidemiological study on pediatric unilateral cochlear implantation in Gujarat, India: Discrepancy among children based on age of implantation, gender, region and type of implant device as per manufacturers

“…Aural rehabilitation with various hearing assistive devices enhances auditory function which further augments speech perception skills. 4 Attempts to provide hearing by electrical stimulation of the auditory system have a long history going back around late 18th century with the discovery of the electrolytic cell. 5 The bioelectrical intensive research over the last five decades has advanced with invasive hearing devices, cochlear implants.…”