Presbyacusis related to socioeconomic factors and state of health.

Two cohorts of elderly persons were studied as regards presbyacusis. One age cohort was followed longitudinally from age 70 to age 88. The other cohort was investigated at age 70. In the study, hearing function was correlated with socioeconomic factors and other factors related to general health. Persons with higher social class affiliation and higher education had better hearing than those belonging to a lower social class and with no higher education. Persons without symptoms of any disease had better hearing than those with symptoms and signs of diseases. Those who died within four to five years after the test session had poorer hearing than those who lived longer. In conclusion, the present study has shown correlations between socioeconomic and health factors on the one hand and presbyacusis on the other.