Appropriate Hearing Aids Significantly Increase the Quality of Life in Presbycusis: An Observational Study

Background: Hearing is a unique sense that allows communication. Hearing loss leads to mental depression, social deprivation, cognitive decline, and gradually decreasing daily performance, making the person handicapped. Presbycusis is a disease of older people, suffering 360 million worldwide. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study in the Comilla Medical College (https://www.cumc.edu.bd) and Cumilla Medical Centre (http://www.comillamedicalcentre.com/) of the Department of the Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery Cumilla, Bangladesh, from 01 February 2024 to 31 July 2024. Results: The study was conducted in a developing country searching for adequate rehabilitation with hearing aids at maximum hearing loss. Hearing rehabilitation faces challenges like low awareness, stigma, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. The paired sample T-test was done between pure tone audiometry (PTA) tests before and after using a hearing aid in the right and left ear. It showed that hearing aids significantly increased hearing that p ≤ 0.001. The t-test of WHO quality of life before and after using hearing aids revealed p ≤ 0.001, and the HHIE-S score exhibited p ≤ 0.001. Conclusion: It needs adequate support to improve hearing health by increasing the number of audiologists and trained healthcare workers and supplying low-cost hearing aids and services.

Presbycusis: A Critical Issue in Our Community

Hearing is an important sensation to the elderly as it promotes their quality of life and maintains their safety and wellness. For example, healthy hearing lets the elderly catch alarm sounds, stay alert to danger whilst asleep, listen in the dark, detect sounds from behind, communicate efficiently with other people, and maintain links to the world via telephone and radio, especially after retirement. However, age-related hearing loss, i.e., presbycusis, seems to become a growing problem in our community. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate whether presbycusis is a critical issue in our community. To achieve this purpose, the data in the literature as well as in the websites sponsored by hearing-related professional associations and sponsored by related government’s departments have been searched and reviewed. The data resulted from the review show a high prevalence of presbycusis, an ever-growing senior population, an incredible increase in hearing impairment and presbycusis population in the next two decades, a rank as high as at the third place for the prevalence of presbycusis among chronic health conditions in elderly resident facilities, and an alarmingly negative effect of presbycusis on mental health, social life, speech perception and hearing-related areas in the brain. These findings demonstrate that hearing loss in the elderly is a critical issue in our community. The etiology, clinical significance, management of presbycusis, prevention, and access of presbycusis population to assistive devices are also overviewed and discussed.

AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSES IN SENILE PRESBYCUSIS PATIENTS OVER 90 YEARS

Objective To analyze the characteristics of auditory brainstem response (ABR) in presbycusis patients el-der than 90 years. Methods Fourteen presbycusis patients elder than 90 years (presbycusis group, 91.1.4 ± 1.3 years, 26 ears) and 9 normal-hearing young adults (control group, 22.7 ± 1.2 years, 18 ears) participated in the study. Alternative click-evoked ABRs were recorded in both groups. The peak latency (PL) of peak I,Ⅲ, and V, and the inter-peak latency (IPI) of I-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-V, and I-V were compared between groups. Results In elder presbycusis patients, the occurrence rate of peak I andⅢwere both 76.9%, and that of peak V was 84.6%. In presbycusis group, the peak latencies of I, Ⅲ, V were significantly longer than that of control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in the IPI of peak I-IⅢ (P=0.298, peakⅢ-V (P=0.254) and peak I-V (P=0.364). Conclusions Auditory brainstem responses in presbycusis pa-tients elder than 90 years showed worse wave differentiation.

Impact and Factors Associated with Presbycusis among 50 Years Old People of Parakou and Over in 2021

Introduction: Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss is a condition of in-sidious onset with significant socio-professional repercussions. The objec-tive of this study was to determine the impact and factors associated with presbycusis among 50 years aged people or older in Parakou commune during 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study with prospective data collection. The study has involved 541 50 years aged people or older, from February to May 2021. For each of them, a questionnaire was completed, otoscopy and tone audiometry performed. The ERSA questionnaire and the logistic regression model were used to determine the impact and factors associated with presbycusis. Results: The mean age was 59.48 ± 9.80 years and the sex ratio was 1.23. The prevalence of presbycusis was 50.28%. Age ≥ 80 years (p = 0.002), male sex (p = 0.016), low educational level (p = 0.001), family history of age-related hearing loss (p = 0.018) and presence of hearing loss (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with presbycusis in multivariate analysis. Of the life domains studied, personal life (mean score = 32.9 ± 10.52) was the most affected. Similarly, communication in a noisy environment (mean score = 4.39 ± 2.39) was the most affected aspect of personal life. Conclusion: Presbycusis leads to an impairment of personal life. A good knowledge of the associated factors and an early management could contribute to the improvement of the hearing health of the elderly.

年龄相关性听力损失与认知功能障碍的关联机制

年龄相关性听力损失以双侧对称性和渐进性的听力损失为特征,高频区域的听力损失更为明显。横断面和纵向研究均表明,年龄相关性听力损失与认知功能障碍之间存在关联性。听力损失对痴呆的可改变风险因素高于其他已知的因素,包括抑郁、社会隔离、吸烟、高血压等,使其成为认知功能障碍和痴呆预防策略中新的目标。听力损失和认知功能障碍的关联机制可分为因果机制假说和共同病因假说两个类别。其中因果机制包括信息退化、听觉剥夺和社会孤立三种假说,均可解释为听力损失通过中间变量造成认知功能下降。共同病因假说指存在同时造成听力损失和认知功能障碍的混杂因素。当前针对老年人群进行的认知和听力损失的研究在评估方法上存在一些限制,未来应结合纯音测听、言语测试以及中枢听觉测试等技术开展研究。听觉以外的感觉功能,如视觉、嗅觉和本体感觉,也可能与认知功能障碍有关,应结合不同感觉功能障碍开展认知功能障碍的关联研究。

老年听力筛查模式及分级干预路径

老年性聋是全世界发病率第三的老年性疾病,发病率呈逐年上升趋势,发生发展具有隐匿性及渐进性的听力行为特点,其防治在于早期发现,听力筛查是关键。基于此,本文介绍老年听力筛查的方式方法,并就听力筛查模式进行探讨,提出并阐述“两步法听力筛查模式和助听器分级干预路径”筛查策略,旨在为制定老年人群听力健康相关干预和医疗政策提供参考。

Effect of Hypertension on Hearing Function,LDH and ChE of the Cochlea in Older Rats

The relationship between the hypertension and the aging process of hearing organ was investigated Twenty Wistar 3-month old rats and 20 Wistar 12-month old rats, 20 spontaneously hypertensive rat stroke-prone (SHRSP) 3-month old rats and 20 SHRSP 12-month old rats free of middle ear infections as observed under otomicroscopy, with normal tympanic membrane and auricle reflex, were selected to be divided into two experimental groups and two control groups respectively The tail artery blood pressure was measured non-invasively The threshold of auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured by Spirit TM evoked potential meter The LDH and ChE staining in the inner ear was performed and the optical density was analyzed by the HPIAS analysis system The results showed that there was no difference in the ABR thresholds, the activities of LDH and ChE between Wistar 3-month old group and SHRSP 3-month old group ( P >0 05) The mean value of ABR threshold and the activities of LDH and ChE in the Wistar 12-month old group at relevant sections were significantly greater than those in the two 3-month old groups ( P< 0 05), whereas the mean value of ABR threshold and the activities of LDH and ChE in the SHRSP 12-month old group at relevant sections were significantly higher than those in the 3-month old control group ( P< 0 01) It was concluded that presbycusis existed in the Wistar 12-month old group rats The glycogenosis and the abnormal secretion of neural transmitter were discerned after hypertension All the above factors may worsen the aging of the hearing system

Protective Roles of α-lipoic Acid in Rat Model of Mitochondrial DNA4834bp Deletion in Inner Ear

The protective roles of α-lipoic acid in the rat model of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 4834bp deletion in inner ear were investigated. Forty female Wistar rats at 4 weeks of age were divided into four groups: group A (D-galactose group, n=10), group B (D-galactose+α-lipoic acid group, n=10), group C (α-lipoic acid group, n=10), and group D (control group, n=10). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to detect the hearing threshold. Colorimetry was used to analyze activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). The percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion in inner ear was identified by real-time PCR. There was no significant difference in ABR threshold shift among all groups. The percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion in group A was higher than that in other groups, but there was no significant difference in percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion among groups B, C, and D. The activity of SOD in group A was lower than that in other groups. The concentration of MDA in group A was higher than that in other groups. It was concluded that there was no significant hearing loss when the percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion was lower than 12.5%. α-Lipoic acid could prevent the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mtDNA4834bp deletion in inner ear of rats.

Downregulation of Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel 5.1 Expression in C57BL/6J Cochlear Lateral Wall

Age-related hearing loss（AHL） is one of the most common sensory disorders among elderly persons. The inwardly rectifying potassium channel 5.1（Kir5.1） plays a vital role in regulating cochlear K~＋ circulation which is necessary for normal hearing. The distribution of Kir5.1 in C57BL/6J mice cochleae, and the relationship between the expression of Kir5.1 and the etiology of AHL were investigated. Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups at 4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks of age respectively. The location of Kir5.1 was detected by immunofluorescence technique. The m RNA and protein expression of Kir5.1 was evaluated in mice cochleae using real-time polymerase-chain reactions（RT-PCR） and Western blotting respectively. Kir5.1 was detected in the type Ⅱ and Ⅳfibrocytes of the spiral ligament in the cochlear lateral wall of C57BL/6J mice. The expression levels of Kir5.1 m RNA and protein in the cochleae of aging C57BL/6J mice were down-regulated. It was suggested that the age-related decreased expression of Kir5.1 in the lateral wall of C57BL/6J mice was associated with hearing loss. Our results indicated that Kir5.1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AHL.

An investigation into hearing loss among patients of 50 years or older

Objects To investigate the extent of hearing loss in an elderly sample population to estimate hearing disorders among the age-equivalent population in China and to study primary clinical characteristics of presbycusis. Methods Clinical data from 110 hearing loss patients of both senium and pre-senium ages （95 males and 15 females, mean age = 74.4±12.1 years） were reviewed. Patients aged from 50 to 59 years were accepted as the pre-seni- um control group （n=15）. The 95 senium patients （〉 60 years of age） were divided into 4 groups according to age： 60＋ group（60 to 69 years, n=25）, 70＋ group （70 to79 years, n=26）, 80＋ group （80 to 89 years, n=32） and 90＋ group （90 years or older, n=12）. Pure tone audiometry thresholds were measured in all 110 patients. Hearing loss severity of each tested ear was rated according to the Goodman classification criteria. Besides, audiometric configuration was examined in each ear. Results Audiometric testing showed normal hearing in 65 ears （29.5%）, slight to moderately severe hearing loss in 131 ears （59.5%）, and severe and profound loss in 24 ears （11%）. Air-bone gaps were found in 12 ears （5.45%） indicating conductive hearing loss. Except the 12 ears with conductive hearing loss, audiograms showed gradually sloping loss in 99 ears （45%）, sharply sloping loss in 34 ears （15.45%）, fiat loss in 45 ears （20.45%）, notch pattern loss in 5 ears（2.27%）, trough and rising pattern loss in 2 ears（0.91%）, total deafness in 2 ears （0.91%）, and normal hearing in 21 ears（9.55%）. On average, hearing thresholds increased at a rate of approximately 10 dB per 10 year for subjects aged 60 and older. Conclusions Hearing thresholds tend to be stable in presbycusis patients aged from 50 to 70 years, increase significantly between 70 and 80 years of age, and reach another stable stage at high levels after 80 years of age, especially in high frequencies. Hearing loss in middle frequencies accounts for most of recession in loudness perception.

An Application for Screening Gradual-Onset Age-Related Hearing Loss

Objective: Less than 15% of adults in the USA over age 70 receive hearing screening;less than 20% of adults with hearing loss receive any form of treatment. Reasons vary, but affordability and accessibility are major barriers to intervention and treatment. This study provides data supporting a new adult hearing screening measure (NSRT) that is self-administered, easy to use and focused on difficulties experienced in everyday speech communication. Methods: The NSRT test materials are sentence-length utterances containing phonetic contrasts. The test requires respondents to determine whether sentences printed on a computer monitor are the same/different from sentences delivered as auditory stimuli through the computer sound card. The test is administered in quiet and +5 dB SNR background noise. Study participants were 120 adults aged 18 - 88 years. Results: Data obtained from the NSRT testing experience are used to construct a pseudo audiogram. When the predicted hearing thresholds were compared with conventional, clinical puretone measures, the sensitivity and specificity of the NSRT screening measure were 95% and 87%, respectively;diagnostic accuracy was 91%. Conclusions: The NSRT can identify individuals with hearing loss through a simple screening process grounded in standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The NSRT is suitable for administration in clinical and nonclinical settings.

Auditory Dysfunction in Aging: Prospects for Stem Cell Therapy

Age-related hearing loss is the most common cause of adult auditory dysfunction. It is characterized by bilateral, progressive auditory deterioration associated with the aging process. There currently are limited options for the treatment as hearing aids or cochlear implants. To establish novel strategies for the treatment of this entity, it is crucial to elucidate the mechanisms of age-related hearing loss. Its etiology is believed to be multifactorial including both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Oxidative damage, as seen in other aging organs systems, may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the age-related hearing loss. Studies on animal models and human temporal bones have indicated a close relationship between degeneration of the cochlear lateral wall and hearing loss. Additional therapies that may prove beneficial in the treatment of age-related hearing loss include stem cell therapy, which we intend to review in this manuscript.

Downregulation of Cav3.1 T-type Calcium Channel Expression in Age-related Hearing Loss Model

Objective Age-related hearing loss(AHL),characterized by degeneration of cochlea structures,is the most common sensory disorder among the elderly worldwide.The calcium channel is considered to contribute to normal hearing.However,the role of the T-type voltage-activated calcium channel,Cav3.1,remains unclear in AHL.Here,we investigate the age-related change of Cav3.1 expression in the cochlea and D-gal-induced senescent HEI-OC1 cells.Methods Cochleae from C57BL/6 mice at 2 months and 12 months of age were assessed.Senescence in House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1(HEI-OC1)cells was induced by D-gal treatment.The immunofluorescence technique was employed to investigate the distribution of Cav3.1 in vivo and in vitro.Quantitative assessment was achieved by Western blotting and real-time PCR.Results In comparison with 2-month-old animals,12-month old C57BL/6 mice exhibited great loss of hair cells and elevated auditory brainstem threshold.The Cav3.1 was located in hair cells,spiral ganglion cells,lateral walls,and the expression of Cav3.1 protein and mRNA decreased in the aged cochleae.D-gal-induced senescence assay confirmed the down-regulation of Cav3.1 expression in senescent HEI-OC1 cells.Conclusion Our results show that age-related down-regulated expression of Cav3.1 in the cochleae is associated with AHL and may contribute to the pathogenesis of AHL.

Injury and protection of spiral ganglion neurons

Cochlear spiral ganglion neurons(SGNs)are bipolar ganglion cells and are the first neurons in the auditory transduction pathway.They transmit complex acoustic information from hair cells to second-order sensory neurons in the cochlear nucleus for sound processing.Injury to SGNs causes largely irreversible hearing impairment because these neurons are highly differentiated cells and cannot regenerate,making treatment of sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)arising from SGN injury difficult.When exposed to ototoxic drugs or damaging levels of noise or when there is loss of neurotrophic factors(NTFs),aging,and presence of other factors,SGNs can be irreversibly damaged,resulting in SNHL.It has been found that NTFs and stem cells can induce regeneration among dead spiral ganglion cells.In this paper,we summarized the present knowledge regarding injury,protection,and regeneration of SGNs.

高血压病对听力的影响

高血压病是以血管为主要病变的全身性疾病,可以影响全身多个组织器官的微循环,包括内耳微循环。国内、外已有研究表明高血压病对听力有一定的影响。本文就高血压病对听力产生影响的原因、临床表现以及听力学特点等做一综述。

衰老与老年性耳聋

对机体衰老的研究一直吸引着众多学者的目光,并取得了许多突破性的进展。尤其近年来通过对其机制的多角度探讨,对线粒体基因突变及氧化应激与衰老的密切关系进行了研究;老年性聋作为衰老表现之一,既与其相伴而行,也有自身的特点,各种探索性治疗提供了可能减轻或延缓其进程的措施。本文将对以上热点进行综述,为进一步的研究提供理论基础。

老年性聋的病因学研究及与Atoh1、CDH23基因的关系

老年性聋是一种老年人群中常见的复杂性疾病，其病因包括老龄化、环境、遗传等多方面的因素。其中遗传因素是很重要的病因，大约占一半的比例。因此，要想真正认识老年性聋，开展老年性聋的遗传学研究和致病易感基因筛查具有重要意义。本文就老年性聋的病因学研究尤其是遗传学方面的研究，以及其与Atoh1、CDH23基因的关系进行综述。

老年性听力障碍及相关疾病的影响因素

系统化的医学调查将为听力障碍及相关疾病在致病高危因素、病因学、发病机制、治疗手段及康复策略方面提供有效信息。本文对国外具有代表性的老年性听力障碍及相关疾病的医学调查进行综述，以对国内的相关调查工作提供借鉴。

Cochlear mitochondrial DNA3867bp deletion in aged mice

OBJECTIVES: To study the status of cochlear mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and to determine the location of mtDNA deletion in aged mice. METHODS: We detected cochlear mtDNA in 2, 7 - 10 and 17 - 19 month old mice by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: mtDNA3867bp deletions were found in the cochleae of aged mice. The deletion occurred within nt9103-nt12970 and were flanked by 15 base pair direct repeats. Comparing the incidence of mtDNA3867bp deletions, 17 - 19 month old mice (7/8) were significantly higher than 7 - 10 month old mice (4/16). The deletion was not observed in 2 month old mice (0/7). The ratio of deleted mtDNA/total mtDNA in 17 - 19 month old mice was higher than in 7 - 10 month old mice (P

老年性聋遗传易感性候选基因

老年性聋是老年人群中一种最常见的听觉障碍性疾病，其病因复杂，发病机制至今尚未完全阐明。环境、营养、遗传等因素及高血压、高脂血症、糖尿病、动脉硬化等老年性疾病均可能与老年性聋的发生发展密切相关。其中，遗传因素在听觉器官的衰老过程中起着非常重要的作用，且近年来在老年性聋发生机制的研究中，遗传因素的作用更是备受关注。本文就老年性聋遗传易感性候选基因的研究进展做一综述。