Age-Related Hearing Loss Guidelines: What They Mean for You (On-Demand Webinar Sponsored by Cochlear)-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The IHS webinar, sponsored by Cochlear, focused on the Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) Guidelines and their implications for healthcare professionals. Dr. Laura Lassen and Dr. Kevin Zahn, experts in audiology and otology, discussed the prevalence of ARHL, affecting nearly one-third of adults aged 65-74 and half of those over 75. The new clinical practice guidelines emphasize the importance of screening adults aged 50 and older for hearing loss, timely referral for diagnostic audiometry, and appropriate amplification fitting. Strong recommendations include offering hearing aids and referring patients for cochlear implant evaluations if hearing difficulties persist despite amplification. The guideline aims to improve early identification, patient education, and multidisciplinary care coordination.<br /><br />Challenges include low cochlear implant utilization (under 10%), lack of familiarity with candidacy criteria among clinicians, and communication barriers between implant centers and referring providers. The webinar highlighted the "60-60" rule as a referral guideline: patients with a pure-tone average of ≥60 dB and word recognition ≤60% in the better ear, who struggle despite hearing aids, should be evaluated for cochlear implants. Speakers emphasized cochlear implantation as a routine, low-risk procedure significantly improving quality of life, regardless of patient age.<br /><br />Attendees were encouraged to educate other healthcare professionals, develop referral relationships, and use available resources to enhance community hearing health. The webinar concluded with a Q&A addressing misconceptions, screening methods, and patient counseling strategies.

Keywords

Age-Related Hearing Loss

ARHL Guidelines

hearing loss screening

audiology

otology

cochlear implants

hearing aids

clinical practice guidelines

60-60 referral rule