Geriatric Audiology

Geriatric audiology is considered in many ways to be a subspecialty of audiology, although many audiologists in various settings see geriatric patients on a regular basis as a part of their caseload. Geriatric audiology focuses on audiologic care for older adults, including both diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of the profession. There is currently a historically unprecedented aging of the population, as the baby boomer generation (1946–1964) enters retirement age and beyond. Research has shown that the prevalence of disabilities increases with age and is highest in those age 85 and older. This age group (85+) is [Page 820]currently increasing more quickly than any other age group, and therefore the need for geriatric care is all the more vital. Hearing loss in older adults is often ...