Pathological aging hearing loss1/12/2024 ![]() ![]() Recognition of hearing loss as a potential risk factor for dementia is a relatively new development, and has not been previously prioritized in the management of patients with or at risk for dementia. 16 There is also a significant economic burden that comes with untreated hearing loss – an estimated annual global cost of US$ 750 billion. Currently, there are approximately 466 million people with disabling hearing loss globally unless action is taken, this number is projected to increase to 630 million by 2030, and over 900 million by 2050. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) projects a corresponding rise in the prevalence of hearing loss around the world. 15 As the global population is growing and aging, the number of people with hearing loss is growing rapidly. Approximately two-third of adults older than 70 years are affected by hearing loss 14, yet fewer than 20% of adults with hearing loss obtain treatment (e.g. Hearing loss is highly prevalent in the elderly, and severely undertreated. This can affect participation in social activities. Related to this, individuals have difficulty with noisy environments, conversations, and music appreciation. 12, 13 The hearing loss first affects higher frequencies (pitches), and is characterized by decreased hearing sensitivity (sounds are quieter) and impaired speech perception (words are distorted). ![]() 12 Though the term encompasses all conditions that lead to hearing loss in the elderly, ARHL most commonly presents as a bilateral, symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss that arises from idiopathic degeneration of inner ear structures as a person enters the sixth decade of life. This review highlights the link between ARHL and dementia, as well as why further investigation into this relationship is crucial.Īge-related hearing loss, otherwise known as presbycusis (from Greek presbys “old” and akousis “hearing”), is the gradual, progressive hearing loss that occurs in individuals as they grow older. ![]() 3 Moreover, a growing body of research has shown an association between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and dementia, 4– 11 thus identifying ARHL as both a potential modifiable risk factor and possible means to improve clinical outcomes in patients with dementia. 1 Given the limited efficacy of targeted pharmacologic treatment modalities, 2 it is important to focus on reducing modifiable risk factors through preventative measures evidence shows that successful management of modifiable risk factors can be effective in both delaying or preventing the disease and reducing healthcare costs. The economic burden of dementia to society is staggering, with an estimated worldwide cost of $818 billion in 2015. Dementia is a debilitating disease and leading public health concern that affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, a number that is projected to increase to 152 million in 2050. ![]()
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