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. 2013 Apr;148(4):537-9.
doi: 10.1177/0194599813477596. Epub 2013 Feb 8.

Comprehensive management of presbycusis: central and peripheral

Kourosh Parham  1 , Frank R Lin, Daniel H Coelho, Robert T Sataloff, George A Gates
Affiliations

Comprehensive management of presbycusis: central and peripheral

Kourosh Parham et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Conceptual model of the association of hearing loss with cognitive and physical functioning in older adults.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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