Analysis of the Correlation between Age and Hearing Thresholds in Older People

Introduction: Hearing loss is common in older people. Objective: The study aimed to analyze the correlation between age and hearing thresholds in a group of elderly patients. Methods: The sample included older adults from both the sexes. All patients were evaluated by pure tone audiometry performed in a soundproof room. Results: A total of 215 elderly patients were evaluated, 69 (32.1%) were men and 146 (67.9%) were women, respectively. Their ages ranged between 60 and 88 years (mean 69.95 ± 6.28 years). It was found that most of the individuals tested showed sensorineural hearing loss in both the ears (77.2%). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the hearing thresholds of both ears at all frequencies analyzed ( p > 0.05). Considering the age variable, it was found that there was no correlation between age and hearing thresholds at frequencies of 250, 500, and 1,000 Hz in the right ear and 250 and 500 Hz in the left ear. In the remaining frequencies, significant correlation was found with increased hearing thresholds according to increasing age ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Confirmed the existence of correlation between age and hearing thresholds at middle and high frequencies in elderly individuals.