Age-Related Hearing Loss

Christopher Hilton, MD, Instructor, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Tina Huang, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common neurosensory deficit associated with aging. It presents with a predictable pattern of sensorineural hearing loss, causing problems with communication that have been associated with depression and social isolation. Recent studies have improved our understanding of the etiology of ARHL on a molecular level. While treatment options exist with hearing aids and cochlear implants, prevention by identification and avoidance of key risk factors remains the best strategy for dealing with this disease.
Key words: presbycusis, age-related hearing loss, deafness, hearing aids, aging.