Hearing loss.

Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory impairments and affects almost 10% of the adult population. The percentage of adults with hearing loss markedly increases with advancing age. The differential diagnosis for patients presenting with hearing loss is extensive, but can often be narrowed with a directed hearing history and physical examination. The severity of the hearing loss may warrant additional diagnostic studies, including audiometry, and possible imaging in selected cases. Hearing aids, assistive listening devices, middle ear surgery, and cochlear implantation are potential therapeutic options available to patients depending on the type and severity of the hearing loss. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.