Peripheral and central auditory assessment in among the elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Presbycusis can affect different portions of the auditory system, causing impacts of varying degrees of seriousness on the daily routine of elderly persons. It is essential that the extent of the deficit as well as the degree of handicap is evaluated, so that the hearing of the elderly can be effectively rehabilitated, improving their quality of life. Purpose: To characterize the peripheral and central hearing of elderly individuals and assess their auditory handicaps. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was performed. We evaluated 83 elderly persons (60-85 years; 33 men, 50 women) with normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss. Individuals were divided into 3 groups according to the 3 to 6kHz hearing thresholds: G1 -mean of 0 to 39 dBHL (80 ears); G2 -mean of 40 to 59 dBHL (48 ears); G3 -mean of 60 to 120dBHL (38 ears). All individuals responded to the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE), and underwent Pure Tone Audiometry, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Long Latency Response (P300) evaluation. Results: Men had higher auditory thresholds at frequencies from 500 to 12,000Hz (with a statistical difference between 2-8 kHz) and also significantly greater latencies for ABR components. There was no difference between genders for the P300 evaluation. Comparison between groups showed: a statistically significant difference for age; greater ABR wave latencies and interwave intervals; that questionnaire scores worsened as hearing threshold declined; and similar P300 latencies. Conclusions: Elderly people have impairment throughout the auditory pathway (peripheral and central). The P300 was less accurate at identifying the losses that come with age. The HHIE demonstrated negative effects on the social life of elderly people, agreeing with the hearing thresholds found.

Aging process and central auditory pathway: a study based on auditory brainstem evoked potential and frequency-following response

“…As hypothesized in this study, aging is associated with higher absolute latency of BAEP waves I, III and V, and with interpeak changes. These data show longer time is required for auditory stimuli to travel along the auditory pathway to the brainstem in elderly individuals and are consistent with prior studies (14,15) addressing the impact of age on absolute BAEP latencies and interpeaks. According to Gupta et al, (15) central conduction involving the superior olivary complex and the inferior colliculus is compromised with increasing age.…”

Does cognitive impairment precede self-reported poor hearing? Results from the English longitudinal study of ageing

“…Hearing loss is highly prevalent among older adults (Rodríguez-Valiente et al 2020) and is independently associated with cognitive decline (Davis, Lin et al 2016), thus making it one of the most important risks factors deserving the attention of health care professionals serving this population. Samelli et al (2016) also stated that the difficulty in the central processing of the auditory stimulus, due to presbycusis, represents an important confounding factor in older people with cognitive decline, since the consequences of both outcomes involve social isolation and depression. A systematic review (Ismail et al 2017) pointed out that the prevalence of depression in individuals with cognitive impairment is Deleted: metaanalysis high, and this can lead to social isolation, favoring the subsequent presentation of hearing deficits.…”

As condições de saúde e qualidade de vida de indivíduos com déficit auditivo / Health conditions and quality of life of people with hearing loss

“…O estudo transversal e observacional de Samelli et al (2016), coletou dados, por meio de um questionário, de 83 idosos com audição normal ou perda auditiva neurossensorial, na faixa etária de 60 e 85 anos. O estudo relata que como a presbiacusia é um tipo de déficit auditivo que afeta diversas partes do sistema auditivo, ocasiona diferentes efeitos na vida cotidiana dos idosos.…”