The incidence, management and consequence of tinnitus in older adults

Abstract

Impaired hearing is prevalent amongst older people, adversely affecting physical and psychosocial function and, hence, quality of life. It may also cause depression. Yet evidence suggests that hearing problems are all too often regarded as a ‘normal’ part of ageing and more likely to be ignored than diagnosed and/or treated; many believe that little can be done to improve hearing. Furthermore,‘many of the behaviours of a hearing-impaired individual (e.g. irritability, inattention or inappropriate responses) may be interpreted as evidence of dementia’though they may simply reflect communication difficulties that can, in turn, damage personal relationships.