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Differences between self-reported and measured hearing loss among older adults.
What is it about?
The current study addresses the issue of hearing loss among older adults based on a sample of Newcastle Thousand family study. More specifically, this study attempts to test if there is any difference in self-reported and measured hearing levels among individuals aged 61-63. As the results demonstrated, hearing loss was higher among males compared to females and there were significant inconsistencies between subjective and objective hearing data in this study. However, this inconsistency depended on the level of hearing loss; lesser chances of detecting milder forms of hearing loss via self-reported questionnaires. Another important finding is the small numbers of people with measured hearing loss actually using hearing aids in their daily lives.
Why is it important?
Studying hearing loss and hearing related conditions is important especially at the time of increasing aging populations around the world. This study adds scientific evidence on underestimation of hearing levels at older ages and potential challenges in hearing aid usage among those in need. Results of this study may suggest improvements of objective measurement tools and further investigations on hearing aids use among older adults with different levels of hearing loss.