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Prevalence of age-related hearing loss in Europe: a review

Roth, Thomas ; Hanebuth, Dirk ; Probst, Rudolf

In: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2011, vol. 268, no. 8, p. 1101-1107

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    Titre
    • Prevalence of age-related hearing loss in Europe: a review
    Auteur
    • Roth, Thomas. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstr. 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
    • Hanebuth, Dirk. Department Epidemiology and Public Health, Unit Gender and Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
    • Probst, Rudolf. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstr. 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Anglais
    Publié dans
    • European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2011, vol. 268, no. 8, p. 1101-1107. Springer-Verlag
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:315482
    Summary
    Populations are becoming progressively older thus presenting symptoms of diminished organ function due to degenerative processes. These may be physiological or caused by additional factors damaging the organ. Presbyacusis refers to the physiological age-related changes of the peripheral and central auditory system leading to hearing impairment and difficulty understanding spoken language. In contrast to epidemiological data of other continents, the prevalence of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in Europe is not well defined, due in part to the use of different classification systems. We performed a systematic literature review with the aim of gaining a picture of the prevalence of ARHL in Europe. The review included only population and epidemiological studies in English since 1970 with samples in European countries with subjects aged 60years and above. Nineteen studies met our selection criteria and additional five studies reported self-reported hearing impairment. When these data were crudely averaged and interpolated, roughly 30% of men and 20% of women in Europe were found to have a hearing loss of 30dB HL or more by age 70years, and 55% of men and 45% of women by age 80years. Apparent problems in comparing the available data were the heterogeneity of measures and cut-offs for grades of hearing impairment. Our systematic review of epidemiological data revealed more information gaps than information that would allow gaining a meaningful picture of prevalence of ARHL. The need for standardized procedures when collecting and reporting epidemiological data on hearing loss has become evident. Development of hearing loss over time in conjunction with the increase in life expectancy is a major factor determining strategies of detection and correction of ARHL. Thus, we recommend using the WHO classification of hearing loss strictly and including standard audiometric measures in population-based health surveys