Open AccessComprehensive Management of Presbycusis: Central and Peripheral
Author(s) -
Parham Kourosh,
Lin Frank R.,
Coelho Daniel H.,
Sataloff Robert T.,
Gates George A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599813477596
Subject(s) - presbycusis , audiology , hearing loss , dichotic listening , medicine , tinnitus , population , peripheral , physical medicine and rehabilitation , environmental health
The prevailing otolaryngologic approach to treatment of age‐related hearing loss (ARHL), presbycusis, emphasizes compensation of peripheral functional deficits (ie, hearing aids and cochlear implants). This approach does not address adequately the needs of the geriatric population, 1 in 5 of whom is expected to consist of the “old old” in the coming decades. Aging affects both the peripheral and central auditory systems, and disorders of executive function become more prevalent with advancing age. Growing evidence supports an association between age‐related hearing loss and cognitive decline. Thus, to facilitate optimal functional capacity in our geriatric patients, a more comprehensive management strategy of ARHL is needed. Diagnostic evaluation should go beyond standard audiometric testing and include measures of central auditory function, including dichotic tasks and speech‐in‐noise testing. Treatment should include not only appropriate means of peripheral compensation but also auditory rehabilitative training and counseling.