[Presbyacusis--hearing loss in old age].

Presbyacusis is a very common type of hearing loss, often having profound effects on the quality of life in old age. Since the number of elderly persons is increasing, the incidence of presbyacusis is also expected to increase in the future. Presbyacusis is caused by cochlear degeneration, most pronounced in the basal cochlear coil. The most common audiometric configuration is a gently sloping audiogram, above all affecting the high frequencies. Efforts to improve auditory communication in old age are important, and can be expected to result in improved quality of life for elderly persons and in more efficient use of public resources. The alleviation of age-related hearing handicap includes aural rehabilitation with hearing aid fitting and training programs, specially designed for elderly people. Hearing loss is often combined with other handicaps, such as dementia, immobility and poor vision. The synergistic effects of multiple handicaps can be extensive. Prevention is an issue which is both challenging and problematic. The most important preventive measure is noise reduction, which must start early in life and not shortly before retirement. Inner ear treatment programs, currently under development, might possibly be suitable for treatment of inner ear disorders in the future. Considerable gains can be achieved with respect to resources both human and economical through rehabilitation and suitable preventive measures.