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Epidemiology of Age-Related Hearing Impairment

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The Aging Auditory System

Part of the book series: Springer Handbook of Auditory Research ((SHAR,volume 34))

Abstract

Hearing loss in older adults is an important problem affecting communication and quality of life, yet few epidemiological studies have been conducted to evaluate the magnitude of the problem, identify modifiable factors contributing to the risk of hearing impairment, or test potential prevention strategies. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the available epidemiological data about the prevalence and incidence of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and its risk factors. Although prevalent cases of hearing impairment in older adults may represent a wide range of causes or disorders, prospective studies of older adults that can identify new cases occurring at older ages offer great promise for identifying modifiable factors for ARHL. Longitudinal epidemiological studies can identify ways to reduce the burden of hearing loss among older adults.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S

    Karen J. Cruickshanks, Weihai Zhan & Wenjun Zhong

  2. Department of Population Health Science, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S

    Karen J. Cruickshanks

Authors
  1. Karen J. Cruickshanks
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  2. Weihai Zhan
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  3. Wenjun Zhong
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karen J. Cruickshanks .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Hearing & Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, Lefrak Hall 0100 , College Park, 20742, U.S.A.

    Sandra Gordon-Salant

  2. Medical Center, University of Rochester, Elmwood Avenue 601, Rochester, 14642, U.S.A.

    Robert D. Frisina

  3. Dept. Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, 20742-4415, U.S.A.

    Arthur N. Popper

  4. Parmly Hearing Inst., Loyola University Chicago, N. Sheridan Rd. 6525, Chicago, 60626, U.S.A.

    Richard R. Fay

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Cruickshanks, K.J., Zhan, W., Zhong, W. (2010). Epidemiology of Age-Related Hearing Impairment. In: Gordon-Salant, S., Frisina, R., Popper, A., Fay, R. (eds) The Aging Auditory System. Springer Handbook of Auditory Research, vol 34. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0993-0_9

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