Hearing impairment in older people: a review

As we age we are increasingly likely to suVer from chronic conditions. Hearing impairment is among the top three such conditions along with arthritis and hypertension.1 It may have become a problem for the first time in old age or may have been acquired when younger or at birth. Prevalence figures illustrate the size of the condition. The prevalence of 45 decibels (dB) (moderate whisper) or greater hearing loss in the better ear in the UK population has been estimated as 3.8%. In those aged 61–80 years old the prevalence of conductive hearing loss of 45 dB or greater in the better ear is 3.1% and the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss of at least 45 dB in the better ear is 14.3%.2