The impact of hearing loss on the quality of life of elderly adults

Andrea Ciorba, Chiara Bianchini, Stefano Pelucchi, Antonio PastoreENT and Audiology Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyAbstract: Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in the elderly, and it is becoming a severe social and health problem. Especially in the elderly, hearing loss can impair the exchange of information, thus significantly impacting everyday life, causing loneliness, isolation, dependence, and frustration, as well as communication disorders. Due to the aging of the population in the developed world, presbycusis is a growing problem that has been reported to reduce quality of life (QoL). Progression of presbycusis cannot be remediated; therefore, optimal management of this condition not only requires early recognition and rehabilitation, but it also should include an evaluation of QoL status and its assessment.Keywords: hearing loss, presbycusis, quality of life, elderl