ABSTRACT
Hearing Impaired hearing is common among the elderly. In addition to periodic audiometric testing, it is important to ask the spouse or other family members if they are aware of the patient having any marked hearing loss. Patients often deny or minimize the symptoms of hearing impairment. Hearing impairment in the elderly is associated with decreased physical, social, and cognitive function. Improved hearing through the use of amplification devices improves the functional status of elderly persons. Only 50% of elderly patients who would benefit from hearing aids actually use them.
