ABSTRACT
Age-related hearing loss may be defined as a progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss of mid to late adult onset, where underlying causes have been excluded. Strictly speaking, age-related hearing loss is a diagnosis which excludes hearing loss caused by primary factors including loud noise exposure, intrinsic otological disease, head injury, ototoxic drug therapies and underlying medical conditions. When making the diagnosis, it is important to be aware of other significant causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Significant head injury, meningitis, serious systemic illness, often involving previous aminoglycoside treatment, and a strong family history of early hearing loss should all be enquired for. The management and rehabilitation of age-associated hearing loss can be directed to three broad areas: psychological and practical (both non-specific) and sensory (specific). Involvement of allied health professionals and general practitioners can offer psychological counselling and support in cases of severe hearing loss, especially in the presence of other comorbidities.
