Age-Related Hearing Loss: Pathophysiology and Recent Researches

Abstract

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), known as presbycusis, is the term encompasses all conditions that lead to hearing loss inelderly people. ARHL is characterized by gradual deterioration of auditory sensitivity, loss of the auditory sensory cells, andcentral processing functions. ARHL is thought to result from age-related degeneration of the cochlea with the cumulative effectsof extrinsic damage. If left untreated, ARHL significantly decreases the autonomy of affected older persons by increasing theirreliance on community or family support. And a loss of hearing can not only lead sufferers to reduce the quality of life but alsoaffect the healthy people around. For most hearing-impaired people, the hearing loss has physical, social and psychologicalconsequences including isolation, depression and dementia. ARHL is becoming a severe social and health problem in thedeveloped countries including the Republic of Korea, therefore, optimal management not only requires early recognition andproper rehabilitation, but it also should be patient-centered and individualized.