Hearing Conditions and Auditory Disorders, Causes of

Changes to hearing levels are currently considered the third most common chronic condition that affects the elderly population of the United States, following hypertension and arthritis. Reports have shown that approximately 25 to 40 percent of the elderly population is afflicted by a certain form of hearing conditions. The prevalence of hearing conditions increases with age, wherein elderly individuals of ages 75 years and higher comprise 40 to 66 percent of the patients. Hearing conditions can also affect infants, children, and young adults. The definition of hearing conditions has evolved over time, and there is speculation that prevalence rates may significantly increase with the release of alternative descriptions of this particular condition. Hearing conditions are generally caused by various factors that include medical conditions such ...