ENT - Presbycusis Flashcards
What is presbycusis?
Age-related hearing loss that is a type of sensorineural hearing loss
Tends to affect high-pitched sounds first and more so than lower-pitched
Gradual and symmetrical
What are some mechanisms causing reduced hearing in presbycusis?
Loss of hair cells in the cochlea, loss of neurones in the cochlea, atrophy of the stria vascularis, reduced endolymphatic potential.
List the risk factors for presbycusis
- Age
- Male
- Family history
- Loud noise exposure
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Ototoxic medications
- Smoking
What is a key preventive measure for presbycusis?
Wearing hearing protection in environments with loud noises
How do patients typically present with presbycusis?
Gradual hearing loss, difficulty understanding speech, especially in loud environments, and sometimes concerns about dementia
May not notice until others point it out
What associated condition may occur with presbycusis?
Tinnitus
What is the investigation of choice for diagnosing presbycusis?
Audiometry
What hearing loss pattern is expected in presbycusis?
Sensorineural hearing loss pattern with normal or near-normal hearing at lower frequencies and worsening hearing loss at higher frequencies
Can the effects of presbycusis be reversed?
No
Management focuses on supporting normal functioning than reversal
What are some management strategies for presbycusis?
- Optimising the environment
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants (if hearing aids are insufficient)
