The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has published new guidelines to address hearing loss in older adults better. The guidelines recognize age-related hearing loss (ARHL) as a significant public health issue affecting millions of adults.
As you'll see below, the new guidelines are well-established standard practices of audiologists. However, the new guidelines provide a clear roadmap for screening, diagnosing, and managing ARHL for other healthcare providers.
By the numbers:
- ARHL is the most common sensory disorder in older adults.
- About 466 million people are affected globally by ARHL.
- Between ages 65 and 74, one in three adults experience hearing loss.
- Almost 50% of the population over 75 report hearing loss.
Why it matters
The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to help healthcare providers identify and manage age-related hearing loss.
What to know
- The guidelines recommend screening all patients aged 50 and older for hearing loss.
- Early detection and appropriate management help reduce the severe consequences of untreated hearing loss.
The guidelines
- The new guidelines include 11 Key Action Statements (KAS) based on the latest evidence on screening, diagnosis, and management of ARHL.
- KAS I: Screening for hearing loss — Clinicians should screen patients aged 50 years and older for hearing loss at the time of healthcare encounter
- KAS 2: Ear exam and other ear conditions — If screening suggests hearing loss, clinicians should examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane with otoscopy and examine the ears for cerumen impaction, infection, or other abnormalities.
- KAS 3: Sociodemographic factors and patient preferences — If screening suggests hearing loss, clinicians should identify sociodemographic factors and patient preferences that influence access to and utilization of hearing health care.
- KAS 4: Hearing test — Clinicians should obtain an audiogram if screening suggests hearing loss.
- KAS 5: Identifying conditions other than ARHL — Clinicians should evaluate and treat patients with significant asymmetric hearing loss, conductive or mixed hearing loss, or poor word recognition on diagnostic testing.
- KAS 6: Patient education and counseling — Clinicians should educate and counsel patients with hearing loss and their family/care partner(s) about the impact of hearing loss on their communication, safety, function, cognition, and quality of life.
- KAS 7: Communication strategies and assistive technologies — Clinicians should counsel patients with hearing loss through communication strategies and assistive listening devices.
- KAS 8: Amplification — Clinicians should offer appropriately fit hearing aids to patients with ARHL.
- KAS 9: Candidacy for cochlear implants — Clinicians should refer patients to evaluate for cochlear implantation when patients with hearing aids have persistent hearing difficulty with poor speech understanding.
- KAS 10: Assessing goals and improvement — For patients with hearing loss, clinicians should assess if communication goals have been met and if there has been improvement in hearing-related quality of life at a subsequent healthcare encounter or within a year.
- KAS 11: Retesting — Clinicians should assess hearing at least every year in patients with known hearing loss or with reported concern for changes in hearing.
- Experts developed the guidelines from otolaryngology, audiology, neurology, geriatrics, primary care, public health, and a consumer representative.
- The goal: Improve awareness and reduce the harm caused by untreated ARHL so patients can enjoy better health and quality of life.
The big picture
Age-related hearing loss is widespread yet underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- ARHL develops gradually and symmetrically, affecting both ears.
- Untreated ARHL increases risks of dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, falls, and other adverse health impacts. Identifying and treating it early helps minimize the severe effects of ARHL.
- A combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to loud noises, certain medications, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption, causes ARHL.
- The challenge: Raising awareness of age-related hearing loss is a significant health priority.
1 guideline: hearing screenings
While ARHL is a gradual process, it is not benign — it can seriously affect your health. Getting a hearing screening is the first step in caring for your hearing.
Our screenings are free, take only 15 minutes, and are always done by an audiologist.
Call 708-599-9500 to schedule.
► For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, download The Hearing Loss Guide.
Don't let untreated hearing loss rob you of your health and happiness.
