Causes of hearing loss include diseases, noise exposure, ototoxicity, tumors, and injury to the cochlear nerve and brain. The most common type of hearing loss in elderly persons is presbycusis, a term that describes hearing loss that is attributed to aging, with the specific cause being unknown. Detecting Hearing Loss Screening for hearing loss is the first step in determining the type and degree of hearing loss. Today's technology makes a hearing screening in a physician's office a quick procedure. In a matter of just seconds, a screening audiometer can identify patients who need to be referred to an otolaryngologist or audiologist for further examination.
Many elderly patients are reluctant to admit a loss of hearing due to embarrassment or fear.
It is extremely important that adults over the age of 65 be screened regularly, however. A recent study of elderly patients has shown that untreated hearing loss increases psychosocial difficulties and reduces functional health. These physical and psychological problems might be easily avoided by treating the problem of hearing loss properly. Treatment Hearing aids. Amplification provided by a hearing aid is the best rehabilitative strategy for hearing loss that cannot be treated medically or surgically.