SS08: HEARING SCREENING IN ADULTS

MAIN EFFECTS OF AGE RELATED HEARING LOSS

Walger M

ENT University Hospital, Department of Audiology and Cochlear Implant Center, Cologne, Germany

Age related hearing loss reflects the sum of all genetic and non genetic factors like noise or ototoxic drugs on the structures and function of the peripheral hearing organ and the central auditory system during life. The slow degeneration of sensory cells within the organ of Corti and afferent nerve fibres result in a sensorineural hearing loss starting in the high frequency range. The reduced speech perception, especially in difficult hearing situations, reduced time resolution and problems in spatial hearing point to the central effects of age related hearing loss, which is caused by the peripheral pathology accompanied by the general effects of biological aging within the central nervous system with problems in short time memory and a reduced speed of information processing. The psychosocial effects of age related hearing loss often result in decreased social activities, loneliness, self-isolation and sometimes depressions in older people with a reduction of quality of life. In view of the demographic development with an increasing population of older people, screening and early intervention of age related hearing loss becomes one of the most important goals of our health system.

Email: martin.walger@uni-koeln.de