Age-Related Hearing Loss Guidelines: What They Mean for You (LIVE Webinar Sponsored by Cochlear)-Handout: ARHL Professional Guidelines

Handout: ARHL Professional Guidelines

Pdf Summary

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a prevalent sensory impairment affecting one-third of adults aged 65 to 74 and is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. It results from genetic and environmental factors and impacts 466 million people globally, with numbers expected to rise to 630 million by 2030 and 900 million by 2050. ARHL adversely affects communication, mental health, cardiovascular health, cognition, and balance, and is linked to socioeconomic challenges such as lower income, unemployment, and social isolation when undiagnosed. Untreated ARHL also imposes a significant economic burden on healthcare systems.<br /><br />The recently published clinical practice guideline (CPG) by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery provides evidence-based recommendations to improve ARHL identification and management. Key guidelines include screening adults aged 50 and older during health visits, examining ears for wax or infection, considering sociodemographic factors, and referring patients with hearing difficulties for diagnostic hearing tests and professional hearing aid fitting. Patients with poor speech understanding despite hearing aids should be referred for cochlear implant evaluation, especially if hearing loss averages 60 dB and word recognition is 60% or less. <br /><br />Providers are advised to educate patients and families about hearing loss impacts, communication strategies, and available assistive devices. Rescreening every three years is recommended, with flexibility based on patient needs and preferences. Given the potential for certain medications to worsen hearing, ongoing patient assessment is critical.<br /><br />Overall, early detection, proper hearing aid fitting, and timely cochlear implant referral improve communication, quality of life, and reduce health and economic consequences of ARHL. Providers should apply clinical judgment and prioritize patient education and preferences to optimize hearing health outcomes.

Keywords

Age-related hearing loss

ARHL

Hearing impairment

Hearing screening

Hearing aids

Cochlear implants

Hearing loss diagnosis

Clinical practice guideline

Hearing health education

Economic impact of hearing loss