IMPEDANCE AUDIOMETRY IN GERIATRIC POPULATION WITH HEARING LOSS – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Presbycusis, impedance audiometry, tympanometry, stapedial reflex, sensorineural hearing loss.
Abstract
Introduction: Hearing loss in the geriatric population, commonly termed presbycusis, results from age-related physiological changes, noise exposure, medical conditions, and genetic predisposition. Impedance audiometry is a valuable tool for evaluating middle ear function. This study aims to assess impedance audiometry findings in elderly individuals with hearing loss.
Objective: To determine the results of impedance audiometry in geriatric patients (aged 60 years or more) with hearing loss and to correlate these findings with the degree of hearing loss using pure tone audiometry.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of ENT and HNS, Adichunchanagiri Hospital and Research Centre, BG Nagara over 18 months. A total of 100 patients aged 60 years or more with hearing loss were included and a detailed ENT examination, pure tone audiometry, and impedance audiometry (tympanometry and stapedial reflex testing) were performed.
Results: The majority of patients had bilateral hearing loss, among which tympanometry predominantly showed normal middle ear function. Stapedial reflex was absent in most cases. A significant correlation was found between tympanometry findings and the type of hearing loss. Conclusion: Impedance audiometry effectively evaluates middle ear function in the elderly and supports pure tone audiometry findings. While sensorineural hearing loss with normal middle ear function was most common, abnormal results were primarily linked to mixed hearing loss.
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Aswathy M P
Resident, Department of ENT & HNS, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Institute, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara, Nagamangala, Mandya, Karnataka, India
Kiran M Naik
Professor& HOD, Department of ENT & HNS, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Institute, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara, Nagamangala, Mandya, Karnataka, India
R. Abhirami Krishnan
Resident, Department of ENT & HNS, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Institute, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara, Nagamangala, Mandya, Karnataka, India.
A R Raghavendra
Resident, Department of ENT & HNS, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Institute, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara, Nagamangala, Mandya, Karnataka, India.